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Purple Rain

Play trailer Poster for Purple Rain R Released Jul 27, 1984 1h 51m Musical Drama Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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72% Tomatometer 58 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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Eric Deggans NPR Purple Rain became a generational manifesto, while providing the largest megaphone yet for one of the greatest geniuses in pop music. Nov 28, 2019 Full Review Duane Byrge Hollywood Reporter Even those who aren't Prince fans are likely to be captivated by its energy, enamored with its simple, often poignant storyline. Aug 7, 2018 Full Review Gary Arnold Washington Post Catharsis on the cheap; there's no reason to accept the pretense that the hero has suffered much and changed for the better unless you're predisposed to get swoony over Prince himself. Apr 23, 2018 Full Review Allison Rose FlickDirect Prince was always a showman and Purple Rain brought that side of him to a whole new level. Rated: 3.5/5 Jun 26, 2024 Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com …a good example of how talent can flatter to deceive… Rated: 3/5 Jun 17, 2023 Full Review Rachel Wagner rachelsreviews.net I recommend it as a piece of 80s pop culture with some great music and corny romance. At the very least check out the soundtrack. It's legendary! Rated: 7/10 Sep 16, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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LalaFlory Best movie ever Prince will always reign Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/17/24 Full Review Genevieve All the music was just as awesome as when the movie came out 40 years ago! Prince and Appolonia... Ooh la la! Morris Day cracked us up all over again. Wendy and Lisa are queens. The song, "Purple Rain" brought all the feels. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/16/24 Full Review Gigi I love Prince. I saw this movie in the theater 40 yrs ago. Loved it then love it now. It is timeless. Today my son saw it for the first time. His music changed my life and will live on forever. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/16/24 Full Review Kimberlee Best concert movie and artist of our time. Happy Birthday Prince! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/08/23 Full Review RarnChild First time I've seen this movie - I was busy having babies in the mid-80s. Prince was amazing - I think his death hit me harder than any other celebrity. I enjoyed this movie so much. I'm so glad I got to see it on the big screen. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/03/22 Full Review Thomas G Morris Day plays a criminally underrated villain here. Give the man his due! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/03/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Purple Rain

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Cast & Crew

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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
Purple Films, Warner Bros.
Rating
R
Genre
Musical, Drama, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 27, 1984, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Apr 22, 2016
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 15, 2008
Runtime
1h 51m
Sound Mix
Surround
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