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Purple Rain

Play trailer Poster for Purple Rain R 1984 1h 51m Musical Drama Romance Music Play Trailer Watchlist
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74% Tomatometer 61 Reviews 78% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
A victim of his own anger, the Kid (Prince) is a Minneapolis musician on the rise with his band, the Revolution, escaping a tumultuous home life through music. While trying to avoid making the same mistakes as his truculent father (Clarence Williams III), the Kid navigates the club scene and a rocky relationship with a captivating singer, Apollonia (Apollonia Kotero). But another musician, Morris (Morris Day), looks to steal the Kid's spotlight -- and his girl.
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Purple Rain

Purple Rain

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Critics Consensus

Purple Rain makes for undeniably uneven cinema, but it's held together by its star's singular charisma -- not to mention a slew of classic songs.

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Critics Reviews

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Joel Selvin San Francisco Chronicle Dec 8
4/4
The film hangs on the flimsiest of plots, but the movie is really about Prince delivering the message in his music. And it is above all a frankly sentimental film about love -- not sex, fired by the spectacular music. Go to Full Review
Eric Deggans NPR 11/28/2019
Purple Rain became a generational manifesto, while providing the largest megaphone yet for one of the greatest geniuses in pop music. Go to Full Review
Duane Byrge The Hollywood Reporter 08/07/2018
Even those who aren't Prince fans are likely to be captivated by its energy, enamored with its simple, often poignant storyline. Go to Full Review
Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Nov 16
3/4
The drama is clunky, the acting is awful more often than not, and the casual sexism simmers throughout. But whenever Prince takes the stage, the picture irresistibly exudes sex, sweat, and swagger in equal measure. Go to Full Review
Douglas Corzine Washington City Paper Sep 15
Purple Rain features some of the most thrilling musical sequences ever put on film. Go to Full Review
Jennie Kermode Eye for Film Mar 6
4/5
More than just an extended music video. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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thiago s @Thiagostone Dec 15 Filme mais ou menos, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são mais ou menos, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom See more VITALII H @freakynickison Oct 26 I am ashamed to tell you that I was not too familiar with Prince's legacy and boy oh boy to say I'm impressed is equal to nothing. He was such a talent! His catalogue is simply unmatched. I got to see nothing but pure excellence when it comes to his performances, moves and expressions. When it comes to the movie itself. I'm glad I watched it because I wanted to know who Prince is. I just wish there was more chemistry between him and his onscreen parents, a strong dialogue or something. But then again maybe that's exactly how it was in real life for Prince... It's an old movie and you just can't complain about much. Of course if it would've been made years later then the production and writing would be better. But again, the beauty is in imperfections, nostalgia and 80s. The point of the movie was to show us what an incredible artist Prince was, that was the intention intended, and I saw it and I'm in awe. The like "This ain't lake Minnetonka" got me on the floor. See more Khalan C Apr 22 Arguably The Golden Child of the Prince Trilogy, this movie was nothing short of wow in almost every direction. From Creative Direction to it's unforgettable Soundtrack, this movie will leave you impressed and moved by it. See more Bruce W @Maverick1926 Jan 19 Despite being a huge Prince fan and having seen him live on more than one occasion, I had never seen the movie Purple Rain. I knew I had to put this right. Even as the most ardent fan I could never claim that this movie would trouble the Academy when it came to the acting or story but there can be no denying that the music is on another level. When he starts to play the title track and you hear the opening bars to Purple Rain, I could feel myself getting a little emotional. What an absolute legend. It is often said about celebrities who leave us at a young age that they have gone too soon. In the case of Prince it is tragically so true. Enjoy this film for the fabulous soundtrack. Ignore the story and acting. See more Blu B Jan 16 A Musical Classic. The story is pretty basic and it doesn't really set up the characters that well but where this shines is the musical numbers. The music is fantastic especially the Purple Rain number at the end which is easily the highlight. The songs don't always fit the narrative of whats going on in the film well but there just so good you can look past it. The acting is pretty solid and the cinematography is really good. It's raw, good camerawork, very visually driven, and the musical numbers all pop with lights, color, and great performances. The ediitng isn't bad and even during the slower or lcunky moments the music and direction just carries honestly. It knows it's a musical oriented film first more than anything. It gives it a solid pacing. Anyone who is a fan of Prince, New Hollywood Era style musicals, or 80's stlye music in general should check this out. See more Bubble B 12/20/2024 The best movie in history See more Read all reviews
Purple Rain

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Movie Info

Synopsis A victim of his own anger, the Kid (Prince) is a Minneapolis musician on the rise with his band, the Revolution, escaping a tumultuous home life through music. While trying to avoid making the same mistakes as his truculent father (Clarence Williams III), the Kid navigates the club scene and a rocky relationship with a captivating singer, Apollonia (Apollonia Kotero). But another musician, Morris (Morris Day), looks to steal the Kid's spotlight -- and his girl.
Director
Albert Magnoli
Producer
Robert Cavallo, Steven Fargnoli, Joseph Ruffalo
Screenwriter
Albert Magnoli, William Blinn
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co
Warner Bros., Purple Films
Rating
R
Genre
Musical, Drama, Romance, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 27, 1984, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Mar 5, 2025
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 15, 2008
Runtime
1h 51m
Sound Mix
Surround
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