Blinded by the Light

Parental Rating: PG-13

Contains: Language    Adult Content    

Jill's Review

Opens August 16, 2019

Runs 118 minutes

It is 1987 in England and the country is in turmoil. The people are beginning to revolt against Margaret Thatcher. Times are hard. Javed (Viveik Kaira), a teenage Pakastani Brit lives under the domineering thumb of his very traditional father Malik (Kulvinder Ghir). He expects Javed to work and go to school and help out the family. Javed has other dreams. And, when his friend Roops (Aaron Phagura) introduces him to the music of Bruce Springsteen, it is like a light bulb going off in his head. The Boss is speaking directly to him. With the help of Bruce and his music, Javed works up the courage to make peace with his family and follow his own path.

This is a sweet and heart-warming film. Even if you don't particularly like Bruce Springsteen's music, you will still feel the impact the lyrics have on Javed. And, the interesting thing is this film is actually based on a true story. We saw a screening with the director Gurinder Chadha (Bend it Like Beckham) and she was really nervous about making it because obviously, she couldn't afford to pay for all of Bruce's music. Luckily, he liked it and let her use his songs. Pretty cool. Anyway, the film is very well-made. The 80's clothes, hair and music are spot-on. There are plenty of other songs besides Bruce's that will bring back memories. It is a great family or date film that will will make you smile. So go see it.

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