Northern Soul

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Bill F Fairly low budget and gritty coming of age film, but the music is infectious. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/08/24 Full Review dave s The premise is interesting – disaffected youth in the north of England in the mid-70s finding salvation in American soul music. The soundtrack is great, featuring songs from Edwin Starr, Frankie Valli and a bunch of other lesser names. The performances from the cast, mostly unknowns, are solid from top to bottom. And the production values are pretty decent. If there's a problem with Northern Soul, it is the fact that it is relentlessly dreary with a bunch of characters that you just don't give a toss about. Unlike The Commitments, a similar film in many ways, Northern Soul leaves you with the impression that there is no hope for these angry and surly ne'er-do-wells. The movie seems to operate on a tedious cycle – take drugs, do a dance, get angry, repeat cycle. While it has its merits, it eventually becomes a tedious viewing experience. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member It's a good film let down by the storyline. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member Amazing sound track mixed with realism of the northern mentality. Top watch. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/07/23 Full Review Audience Member The film gives a little insight into the Northern Soul scene in 1974 England and the music is very enjoyable (much better than the computer-generated rubbish today!). However, there is a ridiculous amount of swearing in it that detracts from the film and lessens the realism. Antonia Thomas, for me gives the most genuine performance as Angela, one of the girls who frequents the Northern Soul venues and ends up being John's girlfriend. The other characters are OK. I was very disappointed that, despite the suggestion on the info about the film stating John and Matt would "Chase a dream of travelling to the US, unearthing unknown soul 45s" and bring them back to England to play to the crowds, plus John's passport arriving through the post, they never go to The States!! If you know nothing about Northern Soul, then this film will show you a snapshot of what it was like back then, but if you want a more fuller account then do a general search for Northern Soul in YouTube to see some great video clips!! If you want detailed info on it, do a search in your web browser and a number of options will display in the search results that describe it. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Audience Member Loved this. The music, the characters, the performances - all stunning and took me right back. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Northern Soul

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