The Film - Reviews

[Guest manusf3a]

DVD arrived yesterday morning, hoped it might have been something to cheer me up after one of my dogs passed away on Tuesday morning, but shortly after it arrived the cat was run over and died at the vets, so I'm saving it for a less dark time in my life as I don't want to blubber my way through it all, as I know I probably would.  Secretly I can't wait, it's been well overdue, but I have the patience of Job.

Sorry to hear that Dave,you really miss them stating the obvious was she ,he very old/

[Paul R]

I thought it was great......so much of it resonated with me.

One question though - was there really much swearing on a mic in 70's? I mean I know what Keb was like in the 80's and I noted that Guy was DJ coach to the film (as an aside this pleased me as I've said publicly before that IMHO there was no better deliverer of a gritty 69's tune), but was this really prevalant in the 70's.

Anyway, I digress. What a triumph!

Cheers,

Mark R

 

I think that was the point in the film, The young wannabe DJ was swearing & abuseing the punters, that's why Ray Henderson didn't want him on the decks.  I used to get abusive when there was an empty dance floor(after a few beers!), I'd put something like E Rodney Jones, "R & B time" on and say things like "if you can't dance, here one with the feckin'  instructions on"!!!!  Of course it was all in jest.

 

Paul

[Guest Matt Male]

I think that was the point in the film, The young wannabe DJ was swearing & abuseing the punters, that's why Ray Henderson didn't want him on the decks.  I used to get abusive when there was an empty dance floor(after a few beers!), I'd put something like E Rodney Jones, "R & B time" on and say things like "if you can't dance, here one with the feckin'  instructions on"!!!!  Of course it was all in jest.

 

Paul

 

I think you're right it was more about the abuse of the dancers Ray Henderson didn't like. Taking the p**s out of people paying money to enjoy your night is a real nono. A more recent DJ also got into trouble for swearing at dancers for not appreciating his obvious talent and taste. Good line from the film, "We're playing for them, we're not playing for you!"   

[Ian Dewhirst]

The public reaction and the box office opening for the film obviously has the industry agog ... the parallels with what happened in the early 70s on the UK pop charts are uncanny  ... when all of a sudden years old tracks by The Tams and Archie Bell and the Drells started shooting up the charts from out of nowhere.

 

A little bit of history repeating methinks. But this time we have all those people who were around back then, plus a further 35 years worth of new enthusiasts, an international profile, a smart social media campaign and a core audience who inherently want to see the film succeed. 

 

Also, the soundtrack has been out 5 weeks and it's hit the UK Compilation Top 10 twice since release. It's currently No.8 as of today and shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Most of these artists have struggled to sell 500 copies of their records in their lifetimes and now they've already sold almost 40 times that in 5 weeks and are up there with the big guns. It is like the Tams all over again LOL.....

 

Ian D 

[Mark R]

Most of these artists have struggled to sell 500 copies of their records in their lifetimes and now they've already sold almost 40 times that in 5 weeks and are up there with the big guns. It is like the Tams all over again LOL.....

 

Ian D 

 

And that's a truly great thing Ian!

 

 

Cheers,

Mark R

[manus]

Really enjoyed the film , it was one of the best days out we’ve had down here in Brighton for years , with the film at 3pm followed by a Soul event ,  and a great vibe in the bar beforehand and the event afterwards. The drug aspect was as I remembered it and I’m genuinely surprised that some people were shocked by it but glad that the grittier , edgy side was portrayed because it's been candy flossed over for too long. Really liked the inclusion of the Soul Bowl lists as it reminded me of being late for work because I’d hang around to get the list and then run to the telephone box ( no phone in our house in those days) to hear John Anderson tell me “ It’s gone”. I didn’t mind Soulboy , I thought it was very silly but watchable but the difference between the two films was like a cup of Horlicks at bedtime or a glass of absinthe with breakfast , and I’ll go for the breakfast.

[Ian Dewhirst]

And that's a truly great thing Ian!

 

 

Cheers,

Mark R

 

Yep, "I'm Gone" reverberating around 20,000 living rooms is no bad thing in my opinion mate!

 

Ian D

[Mark R]

Yep, "I'm Gone" reverberating around 20,000 living rooms is no bad thing in my opinion mate!

 

Ian D

 

Funny you should mention Eddie mate........the one thing that struck me whilst watching the film was that the Precisions at £10 matches Eddie at £7k all the way for me!  You can guess which one I have in a box and which I don't! 

 

Funny old game innit!

 

 

 

Cheers,

Mark R

[macca]

Just ordered mine from Amazon. Delivery 27-31st of October. Much looking forward to it. You geezers are lucky to have seen it at a proper cinema! 

[dave storey]

I suppose if you took drugs you knew where to find them ?  . If you did not take anything you never so them on sale or being used.

I was touring the country with a group of friends every weekend going to all nighters and all dayers without touching any drugs.

[Steve S 60]

I suppose if you took drugs you knew where to find them ?  . If you did not take anything you never so them on sale or being used.

I was touring the country with a group of friends every weekend going to all nighters and all dayers without touching any drugs.

 

Didn't have to look too hard for drugs.  Usually offered gear on the train as you got closer to Wigan.  Would have been a bad move as I regularly got my bag searched at Wigan North Western just before I dropped it off in left luggage.  There was a small room on the other side of the ticket barrier which you were "invited" into by the plod, if memory serves.  Quite happy for them to rummage through my dirty kit that I'd be taking home on weekend leave.

[Pete S]

I suppose if you took drugs you knew where to find them ?  . If you did not take anything you never so them on sale or being used.

I was touring the country with a group of friends every weekend going to all nighters and all dayers without touching any drugs.

 

First time I ever went to Wigan was a real eye opener, on Jethro's coach from Wolverhampton, aged 16, had no idea about drugs and couln't believe it when an almost hostess trolley service was going up and down the coach selling pills, which I politely refused..

[Steve S 60]

First time I ever went to Wigan was a real eye opener, on Jethro's coach from Wolverhampton, aged 16, had no idea about drugs and couln't believe it when an almost hostess trolley service was going up and down the coach selling pills, which I politely refused..

 

Did the coach driver announce that they would be serving light refreshments throughout the journey?

[Pete S]

Did the coach driver announce that they would be serving light refreshments throughout the journey?

 

He was probably getting a cut!

[Ernie Andrews]

I was very sceptical before I saw it at it had taken too long to make & distribute but having saw it I have to give EC credit for a good attempt at giving a flavour.

The dancing was pleasantly surprisingly good.

The soundtrack was terrible because it kept repeating certain records even up to 3 times and that gave a view of musical limitation to any person who has never heard this stuff.

The main characters were very good in their acting and so were the extras. I agree about LS but her northern accent does lend itself to the lancs area very well.

The story however was a bit weak and I was really annoyed with one continuity error around going to the Market in Manchester to get some records as you never saw it happen and this let down the excitement of the dig!

The drugs aspect for me did not go far enough in respect to those who had died of overdoses. I think that would have been useful to show that it did happen then as it does now and how drugs can really screw your life up even if you survive the overdose.

What was missing was the unscrupulous people who had bootlegged the top sounds and were selling them at the main venue each week to the disgust of those who had paid top dollar 3 weeks before off them and now they were selling them for a pound a piece.

I did like the paranoia about whether the fuzz were watching you!

THOUGHT THE YOUTH CLUB ELEMENT WAS PRETTY GOOD AND REMEMBER PESTERING THE dj TO PLAY A NORTHERN SOUND And yes it was in my day 2 guys dancing with loads of people watching thinking WTF are they on! 

For a first film, Credit due to Elaine and I will buy the DVD to show my daughter that some of what she will she will see in it was what her dad got up to all those years ago.

I think Pikey was being mean with his 5/10 so I will give it a 6.5/10

[macca]

Pete's experience is exactly the same as mine. The coaches to Wigan from the Brit in Nottingham were rife with it, and inside the Brit itself. It was two years before I 'took the plunge'. If you knew who to ask, you'd come up with the goods easy enough. I think the loos at Wigan were a lot riskier than those of other venues so I didn't venture in their unless it was to get changed or have a slash. As Manus F said before, the loos at St.Ives were very busy gear wise, and the oldies room where it was pitch black. Plenty of cover for 'business transactions' in there. As far as the visible effects of the 'gear' are concerned, you'd see some right old sights which then made you wonder if you were 'giving yourself away too, furtive glances in mirrors to check your 'state', attempts to tone down the chewing and verballing. That was a game in itself. Great times!! 

[Guest]

Once met a lad who I used to score speed from regular........or he from me, and got quite matey with him at the time.

No idea of his name or where he was from, that`s gone from memory. This one time we met outside the Casino, walked round town to make sure we weren`t followed and he handed me a canister with about 2 dozen white bombers in. That particular night the place was crawling with squad so I emptied the contents into my hand and we walked up across the car park and as we got to the bottom of the car park steps facing the club where the rest of my mates were waiting 2 of the bastards stopped us. I immediately dropped the lot behind me and in the dark they could hardly be seen, of course only I knew i`d dropped them and when they searched me last all the rest were told to politely fuck off they all thought I was busted. Searched, found nothing and let go. I can remember his exact words.........."What are you on son?.........your eyes are sticking out like organ stops."

I walked the same way around town and up through the car park again, everyone had gone in and hardly anyone was around and the bombers were still there winking at me. I just picked them all up and......."Counted them all back in again" 

Just one was slightly damp and bloated but all ok!

All that hassle just for my mates....i`d already had mine an hour or two back.

 

Of course they were all concerned about me (NOT) and thought I was locked up.

I should have charged them double! 

[Guest]

First time I ever went to Wigan was a real eye opener, on Jethro's coach from Wolverhampton, aged 16, had no idea about drugs and couln't believe it when an almost hostess trolley service was going up and down the coach selling pills, which I politely refused..

I think me and Toothy (Steve Howarth).....Bootlace and a few more got a lift on that coach as it stopped to pick us up from the Rank at Hanley. 50p cos we were only going the one way. Someone passed around a rather large brown bottle of Charlie. I remember big Willie sat at the back.

Could be wrong with the coach Pete but it seems to stick in my mind.......and that was our usual thing after the Torch had gone, Friday night Pendulum, then last bus to Bolton......Va-Va`s then back home to Burnley, wash & change.....beans on toast in the bus station cafe, bus to the M6, thumb a lift to Hanley and then 50p coach up to Wigan.  More often than not we then cadged a lift to any alldayer that was on Sunday.  And still have change from a fiver

And i`m still alive!!!!

 

Edit: There was once....just once when said coach got pulled into Congleton services and we were all ushered into the rozzer station that was there at the time. Unbelievably they let some of us go for an un-chaparoned wee before they searched us. Honestly, i`ve never ever seen as many doobs swallowed so fast.....with the warm water from the taps, myself included....I can still taste the 20 odd warm melting blueys in my mouth today    They then strip searched us all down to our socks.....and found.

 

f*ck all!!!

 

 

Anyone else on that coach??

Edited October 27, 2014 by Guest

[Dave Rimmer]

I agree about LS but her northern accent does lend itself to the lancs area very well.

 

 

Possibly because she was born in Manchester and brought up in Rochdale

[Coops]

 

Just a thought, and very much a personal opinion, but this one comment could take the whole thread away from film reviews, which I think would be unfair. Just thought I'd highlight it before it becomes ''clown and costume hunting season'' yet again?

 

Win

 

the aftershock of the film (or its potential) has a right to be reviewed as much as whether he had the right pants on or what tunes were played in 74 or any other aspect of the film. what fall-out a film causes (whether good or bad) is as much a part of the film as any other aspect; for without the film (any film) there would be no fall-out (good or bad) x

[soulgrooves]

Well just watched the Film Northern Soul and quite enjoyed it albeit maybe a touch on the drugs and crazed side of the scene,but myself after 40+ years collecting loving aspects of the scene and knowing just how touchy Soulies can get , i.e, we all have our own memories and takes on the scene and venues, we all could compile lists on the top sounds and favs which should of been there in the film,overall I think the film in condensing a period in time is always difficult as I said we all had our own versions of events,it had flickers of either things we did or knew people who you could associate that to and that is what makes us feel somewhat a part of it,of course the tracks used in the film were memorable for one reason or another , ( bet we could all think of many more )we wanted to be included, clothes, record lists in post and waiting for the ones you ordered to drop through your letter box ( still do ), yeah remember playing out 45s at home getting ready to leave for the allnighter/Dayer and building up that rush it gave you,I enjoyed it simply because I LOVE NORTHERN SOUL and that feeling has never subsided in all my years I went to Wigan first time Nov 74 last time 79 as I was away on service alot, my memories of the Catacombs last night, Queens Hall so 1974 was relevant for me , just wanted to share a slice of my thoughts, if you have been around I guess you will feel we all have enough stories to fill a book etc , Time Marches On but it will never walk out of my life for sure... Dave G

Edited October 23, 2014 by soulgrooves

[jocko]

the aftershock of the film (or its potential) has a right to be reviewed as much as whether he had the right pants on or what tunes were played in 74 or any other aspect of the film. what fall-out a film causes (whether good or bad) is as much a part of the film as any other aspect; for without the film (any film) there would be no fall-out (good or bad) x

 

What a pile of pish. If you really think this will cause the downfall of any part of any decent scene then you are even  more stupid than you sound so far.  Go on provide some meat to the very bare bones you are bashing around.

 

You have been giving it large with your cryptic comments on here, and your very non cryptic comments on FB as some spokesman for the integrity of scene. Really. Delusions of granduer, ego and all about you are all I hear from you to date.  That and a whole load of personal nastiness, at least untill you blocked me despite us never having communicated in any manner at all.  Why don't you be less cryptic and have the balls to say what you mean, then I can shoot you down, save the fish in the  barrel next to my desk that are getting rarer than a genuine comment from you.

 

Surely the site deserves the pearls of your wisdom, the inside information that you keep blasting, the personal comments that are so little known that only you seem to know them. No surprise there.

 

Go on, surprise me.

 

Another f***ing wannabee trying to get his 15 seconds of fame on the back of someone else, is what the evidence points to here.

Edited October 23, 2014 by jocko

[macca]

the aftershock of the film (or its potential) has a right to be reviewed as much as whether he had the right pants on or what tunes were played in 74 or any other aspect of the film. what fall-out a film causes (whether good or bad) is as much a part of the film as any other aspect; for without the film (any film) there would be no fall-out (good or bad) x

Indeed Coops. Bound to be a fall out of sorts, especially with all the positive reviews and the industry having been caught napping. You might get to launch that NS dance studio yet. Opportunity of a lifetime, and we've been graced with several of those already.   Have you managed to see it yet, old chap? 

Edited October 23, 2014 by macca

[MrsWoodsrules]

So, what has the cinema turnout been like nationally against the target figures?

I mean, will it get rolled out to all screens all towns?

Will they brake even/make money?

Just interested in what will be considered a commercial success as opposed to critical success.

Anyone in the know?

[Guest Dave Turner]

First time I ever went to Wigan was a real eye opener, on Jethro's coach from Wolverhampton, aged 16, had no idea about drugs and couln't believe it when an almost hostess trolley service was going up and down the coach selling pills, which I politely refused..

 

Stamford coach to Cleggy 

Cue for the gear coming out as we passed the sign to the aptly named Swallow 10 mile from Cleggy

 

[Steve S 60]

So, what has the cinema turnout been like nationally against the target figures?

I mean, will it get rolled out to all screens all towns?

Will they brake even/make money?

Just interested in what will be considered a commercial success as opposed to critical success.

Anyone in the know?

 

Don't know what the target figures are but I think it's exceeded expectations as it was only scheduled for a limited release at selected cinemas but that's increased about five fold (and growing).  DVD and Blu Ray sales seem to be doing OK if the Amazon Bestsellers list is anything to go by, and it's available for official download from a number of sites including Sky, Amazon Instant and Virgin.  Hopefully the big cinemas will take it up, and there's also the international market.

[kimbo]

I swore like a trooper in the 1970's. I also had an earring and I'm not a girl or a 'queer' (can you really say that today ????)

like wise earing in 1973. first tat in 74... even tho I was blitzed and woke up with my own name in a heart on my arm ha HA. Being a tailor did not agree with the baggies worn at half mast back then. Other than that a bloody great Film. Great entertainment. kimbo

[Winnie :-)]

the aftershock of the film (or its potential) has a right to be reviewed as much as whether he had the right pants on or what tunes were played in 74 or any other aspect of the film. what fall-out a film causes (whether good or bad) is as much a part of the film as any other aspect; for without the film (any film) there would be no fall-out (good or bad) x

The whole point of the comment I made Coops was this thread was specifically for reviews of the actual film, there will no doubt be an entirely separate thread at some time, discussing what some may see as fallout 

[kimbo]

When the lad had his first block up and went home to his bedroom and sat up all night listening to the tape he had been given,bloody hell he made the feeling of that so realistic and emotional as phook with his acting  ,both lads acted really well as did the older cockney mate and the others,his two edgy northern mates you saw for the first time banging on the car window and shouting at him when they got to Wigan,yeh there were quite a few lads just l;ike that hovering about on the scene then at all the nighters most of them knowledgeable as phook about the music as well as being right out there on the edge helping to make things what they were in terms of atmosphere.There was a spectrum of lots of different types of folk made up the scene and again thats what contributed to make our scene the best ever  seen .As Ive said the film wasnt a docmentary ,and when you it comes to tying to show that wonderful magic mix that was then well the film did a great job,I said to my mate Kimbo at a certain part of it that  makes me feel emotional seeing that,it just did as did other parts yeh Im going over to buy the dvd if I can get it in town during me work break tomorrow,too phooking right.I know I as others have said on here could relate the charecters to people I know ,knew some sadly passed on to the big nighter itself isnt that a great bit of praise for a film just to have made you feel that without bothering about nit picking over little stylistic  issues etc.

 

One thing this film did was sitting in the cinema and around you you see other folk from the scene some you know , you know that theyre going to be feeling it too at certain points in the film and this is going on at cinamas all round the country and has been doing some on other nights this week starting from thursday last,Saturdays,Sundays and as here Wednesday as well, thats what I call emotional  as I am certain Len will and if that puts me in the big softie catergory well I am happy to be there Len,h i mate look theres loads of others in here with us!massive big bunch of softies!.Good stuff indeed.

Brill nite with Manus and co... I knew Manus was into the film when he charged me a quid for a handful of popcorn ha ha....

[Pete S]

Brill nite with Manus and co... I knew Manus was into the film when he charged me a quid for a handful of popcorn ha ha....

 

You sure it was popcorn?  

[kimbo]

DVD arrived yesterday morning, hoped it might have been something to cheer me up after one of my dogs passed away on Tuesday morning, but shortly after it arrived the cat was run over and died at the vets, so I'm saving it for a less dark time in my life as I don't want to blubber my way through it all, as I know I probably would.  Secretly I can't wait, it's been well overdue, but I have the patience of Job.

Dave, Thoughts are with you buddy. Kimbo, Lisa, Manus n Mark.

[Tattoodave]

Sorry to hear that Dave,you really miss them stating the obvious was she ,he very old/

The dog El Kapitan would have been 2 next month, and Borrasco, the cat was about 5, so neither of any real age.  Just one little chap left now, Kapitan's half-brother, Happy, who is 2 and a half

[Steve G]

The whole point of the comment I made Coops was this thread was specifically for reviews of the actual film, there will no doubt be an entirely separate thread at some time, discussing what some may see as fallout 

 

Fallout…ffs….what is that? I know it's not your comment Winnie but what tosh. People go from cinema in search of baggies and local allnighter? Cinemagoers start demanding their own room at soul nights? Popcorn and Ice creams on sale at Lifeline? Mark Kermode supporters mass and storm Lens Den demanding stompers and dexys?…..Honestly what a load of cock. 

[Winnie :-)]

Fallout…ffs….what is that? I know it's not your comment Winnie but what tosh. People go from cinema in search of baggies and local allnighter? Cinemagoers start demanding their own room at soul nights? Popcorn and Ice creams on sale at Lifeline? Mark Kermode supporters mass and storm Lens Den demanding stompers and dexys?…..Honestly what a load of cock. 

Diplomacy - the art of dealing with people in a sensitive and tactful way. :)

 

Point being, that there may be some fallout, we don't know for certain yet, and I don't want to get involved in it on this thread   

[Agentsmith]

Once met a lad who I used to score speed from regular........or he from me, and got quite matey with him at the time.

No idea of his name or where he was from, that`s gone from memory. This one time we met outside the Casino, walked round town to make sure we weren`t followed and he handed me a canister with about 2 dozen white bombers in. That particular night the place was crawling with squad so I emptied the contents into my hand and we walked up across the car park and as we got to the bottom of the car park steps facing the club where the rest of my mates were waiting 2 of the bastards stopped us. I immediately dropped the lot behind me and in the dark they could hardly be seen, of course only I knew i`d dropped them and when they searched me last all the rest were told to politely f*ck off they all thought I was busted. Searched, found nothing and let go. I can remember his exact words.........."What are you on son?.........your eyes are sticking out like organ stops."

I walked the same way around town and up through the car park again, everyone had gone in and hardly anyone was around and the bombers were still there winking at me. I just picked them all up and......."Counted them all back in again" 

Just one was slightly damp and bloated but all ok!

All that hassle just for my mates....i`d already had mine an hour or two back.

 

Of course they were all concerned about me (NOT) and thought I was locked up.

I should have charged them double! 

top recollection there steve, and what my mate pete said as well....it really is rich of some people on here and on facebook, to suggest that drugs were near invisible from the human eye..of course everyone's entitled to their opinion or we wouldn't have populist debate, but it makes me even more angry when it's coming from some people who i know and the way they have dismissed the film as a nonentity..i'll not mince words and i'll defend this film to the hilt...bloody hypocrits in total denial showing their true colours....crawl back in your holes, you are on the fringes and don't seriously get involved in the scene any longer, go back to your day jobs!

[Drewtg]

Elaine.

 

In view of the fact that there are people who don't like your version of history, I have come up with an alternative storyline which can be used as a redux or maybe a follow-up?

 

I donate the outline to you, I am sure that with all your newfound kudos you could pitch this one girl.

 

Let me know if it needs slight changes for authenticity.

 

Spongebob got Sole

 

Spongebob (our hero) is a nice, well adjusted kid from a nice, stable family.

Whilst studying for his ‘O’ levels he meets Patrick (gangly looking kid) at the local youth club. Patrick is into “Sole” and a bit of a rebel.

Spongebob starts to hang-out with Patrick — with his parents blessing, and together they try to get as much sole as they can and start saving-up to go to Casino Bottom (where all the best sole is/are?).

 

Spongebob finishes his O levels — and does quite well considering.

At about the same time Bob and Patrick finally start to go to Casino Bottom and it is fantastic! Patrick dances like he has five legs and Bob is pretty good too and they make lots of friends.

Bob meets a girl who doesn’t like Patrick but they manage to work it all out.

They both carry-on loving sole forever and when, years later, someone says that there were bad men at Casino Bottom, they both go on Facebook and say it’s not true coz they never met any.

Spongebob and Patrick walk off into sunset — fade-out, roll credits. 

 

Be brutally honest with me Elaine, watcha think girl?

[Guest]

Elaine.

 

In view of the fact that there are people who don't like your version of history, I have come up with an alternative storyline which can be used as a redux or maybe a follow-up?

 

I donate the outline to you, I am sure that with all your newfound kudos you could pitch this one girl.

 

Let me know if it needs slight changes for authenticity.

 

Spongebob got Sole

 

Spongebob (our hero) is a nice, well adjusted kid from a nice, stable family.

Whilst studying for his ‘O’ levels he meets Patrick (gangly looking kid) at the local youth club. Patrick is into “Sole” and a bit of a rebel.

Spongebob starts to hang-out with Patrick — with his parents blessing, and together they try to get as much sole as they can and start saving-up to go to Casino Bottom (where all the best sole is/are?).

 

Spongebob finishes his O levels — and does quite well considering.

At about the same time Bob and Patrick finally start to go to Casino Bottom and it is fantastic! Patrick dances like he has five legs and Bob is pretty good too and they make lots of friends.

Bob meets a girl who doesn’t like Patrick but they manage to work it all out.

They both carry-on loving sole forever and when, years later, someone says that there were bad men at Casino Bottom, they both go on Facebook and say it’s not true coz they never met any.

Spongebob and Patrick walk off into sunset — fade-out, roll credits. 

 

Be brutally honest with me Elaine, watcha think girl?

Are you using aliases? 

[Len]

I think Elaine has to finish 'Carry On Northern Soul' first - She's got her work cut out that girl!  

 

Len  

 

P.s - I am lucky to have just bought a ticket to see it for a second time tomorrow night at The Castle here in Wellingborough - Hey, it would be a nice idea if those that can afford to, buy two copies of the D.V.D - maybe giving one away to someone as a Christmas present  

Edited October 23, 2014 by LEN

[Guest manusf3a]

The dog El Kapitan would have been 2 next month, and Borrasco, the cat was about 5, so neither of any real age.  Just one little chap left now, Kapitan's half-brother, Happy, who is 2 and a half

I know you'll look after him well Dave ,what a name for Happys half brother sadly now passed on El Kapitan! that's what you call a real mega name,love it.

[Drewtg]

Are you using aliases? 

 

I NEVER used aliases. Some of my mates did, but not a lot and it never affected their day-job, much

[Shuffling around]

I saw the film last night in Norwich and was really surprised by what a good film it was. The performances by the two lads that played the lead roles were extremely accomplished and they look like they've got great careers ahead of them. It was certainly a very dark edgy watch for much of it, but there was a real sense of John's headlong rush through a new life filled with fantastic (good and bad) new experiences We've waited so long for this thing to be shown that I was fully prepared to be underwhelmed by it, but as it has turned out, this is something that most casual filmgoers would thoroughly enjoy...Elaine has nailed it !

[Mark S]

The folks that are in denial of the manic gritty side of the scene obviosly didnt spend time in The Beachcomber before a 2am start .

[Quinvy]

Are you using aliases? 

He's using something.

[Frankie Crocker]

Just got in from seeing the film. Absolutely brilliant. Better than a night at The Casino. Deserving of a BAFTA nomination for sheer realism, great acting, awesome soundtrack and all this achieved on a shoe-string budget.

[midnight2six]

Just seen it. Far better than I thought it would be. It worked and I enjoyed it. There are better critics than me, who've already posted so I'll not bother. Apart from the halfmast trousers I can't really fault the realism. Makes me feel old, but then I am. Shit.

 

I liked the bit when he was off it and listening to the dodgy tape. We've all been there! The kids nowadays don't know how lucky they are buying box sets with 100's of songs on, for next to nowt.

 

I can predict a comeback of those horrible long leather coats and seeing fewer Ben Shermans at do's. lol.

[Tattoodave]

Watched it last night on DVD to cheer myself up after Sangria and gin and tonic, it did the trick too.  The gritty realism of the 70's hit's you head on, the days of bootboys and football violence softened by the glorious music that tamed us all, or at least those that could be tamed.  It made me smile from the outset, laugh out loud a lot of the time as I drew parallels in my own youth, and remember some that didn't make it.  It's easy to find a fault or two in the continuity with record label colours, but the setting was perfection.  Elaine should get a Bafta for this, it is well deserved, and done on a small budget which puts the entertainment bigshots to shame. 

I bumped into a couple from Bolton yesterday that asked if I'd seen it, I said the DVD was waiting for me, they were surprised at the DVD being already out, so maybe that confirms the distributors mistake.  However, I shall watch it again this weekend, when I'm not so eager or drunk to try and rip holes in it, though from what I saw I doubt if I can, speaking as a foul mouthed, tattooed and once earring wearing veteran.

[Drewtg]

Finally seen the film (twice) on DVD.

 

Without giving away the plot, all I can say is that the lead character almost exactly mirrored my personal circumstances at that time - even down to the bereavements.

I choked-up pretty bad at some scenes.

Apart from a few petty details I found it absolutely authentic - why does this myth about kung-fu persist?

 

Elaine and her team are to be congratulated on a fantastic realisation of the scene in those days and applauded for not sugar coating what was, essentially, a means of escapism for many young people at that time.

 

Hats off and thank you to all involved.

[Jordirip]

That carpet got worn away a bit too quick for my liking. It took me and bro a couple of years to wear my mum's at the top of the stairs. She could never understand how it happened.

[Gouch]

Troop;

 

I saw the film at the Castle in Wellingborough last night with 80 or so like minded folks, had me laughing, cringeing and swallowing hard in places as it mirrored my life at times far to realistically, captured those moments in time that keep us all going perfectly. 

 

Havnt a clue where the Bruce Lee connection comes from, surely that is simply a myth, made me smile though, who pissed hasnt tried to kick the head off a flower, I always ended up on my arse!

 

Superb film about something Iv enjoyed all of my life, might send a copy to my ex as she cited the music as one of the reasons the marriage failed

 

Thankyou Elaine.

 

Gouch

[Pete S]

The Kung Fu thing comes from Keb