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Heavy Load

Play trailer Heavy Load 2008 1h 35m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 9 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
Filmmaker Jerry Rothwell follows the British punk band Heavy Load.
Heavy Load

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Intriguing and engaging rockumentary that demolishes stereotypes of the mentally challenged, and celebrates the inspirational story of Heavy Load.

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Critics Reviews

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Derek Malcolm London Evening Standard 10/03/2008
3/5
There are times when you don't know whether to laugh or cry but Rothwell avoids any charge of patronising them. Go to Full Review David Gritten Daily Telegraph (UK) 10/03/2008
This is intriguing, though it gives Rothwell another excuse to appear on camera, which he does with irritating frequency. Go to Full Review Cath Clarke Guardian 10/03/2008
4/5
The only difference is that three of the five have a learning disability - but in this documentary, which is very funny in places, it's not disabilities that define them. Go to Full Review The Sun (UK) 10/03/2008
3/5
But director Jerry Rothwell ruins all that by stealing the limelight with his annoying self-analysis and philosophising. Go to Full Review Tom Dawson Total Film 10/03/2008
4/5
The film demolishes stereotypes of the mentally challenged, celebrating the energy, desires and ambitions of its protags. Go to Full Review Rob Daniel Sky Cinema 10/03/2008
4/5
Contender for best documentary of the year, Heavy Load contains a classic moment of Spinal Tap-ism as Paul, when Heavy Load is at its lowest ebb, ponders why Michael says he hates him. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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09/06/2009 A documentry about a punk band, half of the band which is disabled. Well worth checking out regardless of what you think of music. As this film shows nothing will get in these guys way See more 06/21/2009 A simple story very well told. Great fun to watch and the kind of film that leaves a smile on your face. See more 06/10/2009 a british documentary taking a look at a band called heavy load, which consists of people with mental disabilities. playing covers and hitting the road, a entertaining doc, showing anyone can have ambition and follow there dream See more 11/18/2008 Hilarious, moving, uplifting, entertaining, technically brilliant and full of heart. Not just a film for documentary or music lovers See more 11/08/2008 For me, it was fine, but pretty dull, especially in the first half of the movie. I did not like two things - first that it focusses on the drummer, although there are a lot of other interesting people in the band, and second - those sappy melodramadic monologues of the director. All in all, I'd say this is a decent documentary, and delivers what it promises. See more 09/30/2008 This movie was a pleasant surprise. I expected to be bored; Instead I was reminded of the story of punk rock, and why being the underdog is always so much cooler. See more Read all reviews
Heavy Load

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Cast & Crew

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Jerry Rothwell

Director

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Heavy Load

Heavy Load (2008) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Filmmaker Jerry Rothwell follows the British punk band Heavy Load.
Director
Jerry Rothwell
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 35m