The Film - Reviews

[Quinvy]

Never went to Wigan so my mind was open on this one.Having heard and read many stories about the fun aspect of anticipating the "happening" by those that went,for example making excuses to their parents, swapping clothes to look cool, planning coach trips,meeting friends from all over the country, hitching rides,jumping trains, lack of appetites to mums Sunday dinner, the film could have been much lighter. It felt to me a little on the blue side. A bit more humour would have made a good film turn into a great film. I know some did have the darker experiences of drug use at its most extream leval of needle use but I formed the impression that they were a minority.I just had a general feeling that the mass had a much lighter experience.Also came away thinking would I want my family and non soul friends seeing this portrayal and feeling a little concerned at the opinions they might form when making comparisons to how people generally soul today? Maybe expectations were too high ? I certainly feel it will not bring the anticipated rush of new blood through the doors.I Don't want to offend anyone it's my honest opinion as an outsider looking in. I think the fact it brought many from far and wide should have been ememphasised much more. I would Love to hear a complete novice to the scene as we know it have their say on it. Again I will say a very well made film and a great attention to detail has been made however more humour would have added a greater experience to the viewer in my view.

That was my view exactly, but you put it so much better than I did. Great post.

[Dave Moore]

If I could have gone in a car, like in the film I would have definitely given it a go. The problem that I had back in the seventies was no transport. My parents never owned a car, and I couldn't afford one. All my money went on records, and I lived out in the sticks, transport links were non existent.

Traveling in the seventies as a teenager was a very haphazard and dangerous thing to do. The only way I got to Blackpool Mecca was there was a special bus from Colne. It was a challenge just to get to Colne. Either hitch hike, or walk. Same with going to the Pendelum at Manchester. It was a long walk to get to Kellbrook to catch the bus.

It never ceases to amaze me how so many youngsters managed to get to and from events back then.

The seventies was the era of the boot boy and the football hooligan. Just being in another town meant you were fair game for the local hooligans to give you a kicking. I wasn't a big fan of using public transport back then.

I was always skint back then. Poorly paid jobs and all my money went to John Anderson and Brian Phillips. 

 

And there were loads of us within spitting distance just down the road having a great time, all over the country. At one stage I was running 2 full 53 seater coaches to The Casino from the Concorde at Burnley Bus station. 50p a pop. (return). Great way to fund a 45 collection. 

 

Regards,

 

Dave

[25miles]

Just notice that it's available on Virgin Media on demand.

yeh man.............reckon the film must be makin' a few bob [& why not]..............woz a 1/4 page advert for it in saturday's daily mirror.........which I guess don't come cheap?? good luck to Elaine & co

[Scal]

I went to the pictures last Friday to see  "Northern Soul", the cinematography was pretty good, no, it was excellent, as were the costumes, props, settings and dialogue. Recreating that era of forty years ago was always going to be a challenge, and again very well done.

I appreciate that this wasn't a Hollywood backed jaunt into the past, so top marks for all the above, very authentic.

 

Initially as the film plotline(s) loped off I got the distinct impression that I had seen this story before, this time it was just a more elaborate and better made film. But by the end of my journey into nostalgia I was wondering what was all that about really, what was the story, plot, outcome?

It seemed to me that someone had had a massive decade long brainstorming session with many and varied parties, pulling in every piece of  reference; records, characters, nuances, urban myth and innuendo and then just dressed up the bullet points, leaving us with just an animated list ?

 

To finish, the chronolgy was all over the place, just look at the record aspect...it should have been of paramount importance not to have got that wrong, they did. And the actual ending.....????

 A collage that became a list that ended up in a directionless fairytale.

 

This is my review of the film, not a debate, for once I may have stuck to the Topic.

[25miles]

If I could have gone in a car, like in the film I would have definitely given it a go. The problem that I had back in the seventies was no transport. My parents never owned a car, and I couldn't afford one. All my money went on records, and I lived out in the sticks, transport links were non existent.

Traveling in the seventies as a teenager was a very haphazard and dangerous thing to do. The only way I got to Blackpool Mecca was there was a special bus from Colne. It was a challenge just to get to Colne. Either hitch hike, or walk. Same with going to the Pendelum at Manchester. It was a long walk to get to Kellbrook to catch the bus.

It never ceases to amaze me how so many youngsters managed to get to and from events back then.

The seventies was the era of the boot boy and the football hooligan. Just being in another town meant you were fair game for the local hooligans to give you a kicking. I wasn't a big fan of using public transport back then.

I was always skint back then. Poorly paid jobs and all my money went to John Anderson and Brian Phillips. 

TOO TRUE MATE..........VERY FEW HAD A MOTOR BACK THEN...........BUT YOU GOT TO WHERE THE ACTION WAS

 

ORGANIZING COACHES ETC WAS THE NORM............ME & MY GIRLFRIEND MET ON A COACH WHICH RAN FROM SHEFFIELD TO THE TORCH

 

KIDS FROM LEEDS/BRADFORD/SELBY/DONNY ETC WOULD TRAVEL ON IT

 

WE "THUMBED" ALL OVER...........B'POOL/VA-VA'S/WIGAN/ST. IVES ETC

 

FIRST TIME I WENT TO THE MECCA-HAD A  KNIFE PULLED ON ME!!

 

HAPPY DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tomangoes]

Just saw the Film last night via DVD.

 

I enjoyed it, and don't intend to be picky. A job well done. A story was told.

 

However, I still think there is room for a 'documentary' type film to show the origins and history of the scene.

 

The Strange World of Northern Soul did cover much of the history, but it still feels to me that something is missing.

 

Maybe the life story of a Northern Soul DJ?

[Drewtg]

 

Just saw the Film last night via DVD.

 

I enjoyed it, and don't intend to be picky. A job well done. A story was told.

 

However, I still think there is room for a 'documentary' type film to show the origins and history of the scene.

 

The Strange World of Northern Soul did cover much of the history, but it still feels to me that something is missing.

 

Maybe the life story of a Northern Soul DJ?

 

Oh my god NO! Don't start the buggers off.

Edited October 27, 2014 by Drewtg

[Steve S 60]

The DVD is at No 4 in the Official UK Video Charts.

[Guest manusf3a]

The DVD is at No 4 in the Official UK Video Charts.

Watching telly news this morn they did the top ten movies chart bit northern soul has come in at number ten  top ten films of the week.

[pow wow mik]

I really enjoyed the film, but Dave's comment above about the "feel good factor" very much sums up the missing ingredient for me. I was never into the drugs, it happened, but it wasn't the defining factor - the "music" was and everything else was an aside.

I see your point, but generally speaking, if any of the significant youth movements had been 'all about the music', they'd have little more cultural significance and romantic image than the opera or stamp collecting scenes.

However great music is, no one gives a fuck about it if there isn't a major culture of escapism, socialising and non-comformity running along side - that attracts people, more than the music.

more people will have joined any scene, be it northern soul, mod, house or rockabilly for the identity, belonging and sheer fun than for the music, but it's the combination of these factors with great music that makes certain movements legendary.

I think it's reasonable that a dramatisation reflects these themes ; fancy watching a film about people who just 'really like music'? What would the 'arc' be, whether to play new releases or stick to 60s sounds? Not exactly schindlers list is it?

Christ, i accept that i'd be boring if i was only about the music, and i love it as much as anyone. The music's interesting, people who like it aren't necesarily.

Edited October 27, 2014 by pow wow mik

[Guest son of stan]

The soundtrack for the film IMO was poor repeating tunes up to 3 times.

Possibly a licensing / budget issue but maybe gives a bit of cohesion for a mainstream audience with no recognition factor for these records?

Regarding the plot, what happened to his copy of The Salvadors and the other records after the fight / car crash? Did he get them back? Anyway that's what I was left wondering. Soz if that makes me shallow (I was traumatised by that bit in 'Blackboard Jungle' where they smash up the teacher's jazz records...)

Nice film though!

Edited October 27, 2014 by son of stan

[Daz Watson]

I went to the pictures last Friday to see  "Northern Soul", the cinematography was pretty good, no, it was excellent, as were the costumes, props, settings and dialogue. Recreating that era of forty years ago was always going to be a challenge, and again very well done.

I appreciate that this wasn't a Hollywood backed jaunt into the past, so top marks for all the above, very authentic.

 

Initially as the film plotline(s) loped off I got the distinct impression that I had seen this story before, this time it was just a more elaborate and better made film. But by the end of my journey into nostalgia I was wondering what was all that about really, what was the story, plot, outcome?

It seemed to me that someone had had a massive decade long brainstorming session with many and varied parties, pulling in every piece of  reference; records, characters, nuances, urban myth and innuendo and then just dressed up the bullet points, leaving us with just an animated list ?

 

To finish, the chronolgy was all over the place, just look at the record aspect...it should have been of paramount importance not to have got that wrong, they did. And the actual ending.....????

 A collage that became a list that ended up in a directionless fairytale.

 

This is my review of the film, not a debate, for once I may have stuck to the Topic.

Agree totally with you and also the earlier post from Anais. It was way too dark and depressing.

i said in my earlier post that I had to watch it twice to appreciate it. The truth is first time i was disappointed. Expected to see a film about Northern Soul - lots of Wigan action, dancing, drama of actually getting to the Casino, drugs, stealing cars to get there, breaking into chemists etc etc,. All the things that actually went on. 

 

Remember for 2 years we've had a lot of hype about this film -  training kids to dance for 3 years at dance classes and the rest of it. What happened to all that? Like a 5 minute shot in Wigan and that was it. Then some dancing at the youth club. Also I don't think the dancers were even that good! Maybe a lot of material got left on the cutting room floor. 

 

Whatever - as a piece of film making it was excellent, attention to detail and characterisations all spot on but despite this in the end something was missing. Almost like it got rushed. Maybe the editing is to blame. I understand there is a Directors cut which will be released. Maybe this will be better. 

[Frankie Crocker]

Sorry to be off the pace a bit but there was a nice article in The Times on Saturday October 25th, more on the background to the film and how Ourscreen stimulated screenings, rather than a film review. The budget of the film was quoted at £1.35 million which may be low in film-making terms but it's staggering in absolute terms, especially as the bulk of the outlay has come from her family's business. Film takings were put at £350,000 which may be highly encouraging but there is still a way to go to break even - let's hope the bigger cinemas put it on and revenue from DVD's/CD's plus foreign sales continues to grow. 

[Guest Suffolk Soul]

I much preferred this film to “Soul Boy” which was aimed at a younger market, the adult orientated “Northern Soul” is much more gritty with a dark edge fuelled by the drugs.  (Not everyone took drugs at the time so the film may be a bit misleading to those casual cinemagoers who know nothing of the scene)  The young lead actors drew you into the film and held your attention throughout.  The soundtrack was of course brilliant.  I rated the film 4 stars on Soul Source Poll.

I went to the Sunday 26^th October screening at the Ipswich Film Theatre.  To get people in the mood a Northern Soul compilation was played as the cinema filled.   I wonder where all the people came from to fill the big screen cinema?   Ipswich audiences are famous for their reservation, so much so that Spike Milligan described Ipswich as “the only town where they bury their dead above the ground” and Lisa Stansfield doesn’t want to mention Ipswich, as it was her worst audience ever.  So in the case of cinema attendance this is ideal for concentrating on the film without distraction.  People politely laughed at the funny bits and all flinched during the shock moment with the tanker.  There were some diehard northern fans about 50+ with Harry ‘J’s and some young mods, the rest seemed ordinary cinemagoers.   It was a very enjoyable evening.

(I had the DVD already but wanted to see it on the big screen first with digital screening and sound for the best experience)

[Guest soulpeeper]

For me the films' weakness was that it was darker than I remember...not even a sunny day and there was a few back then I recall.. the drugs issue is a common thread maybe taken a little too far with the injecting scenario but it was relevant. The violence I accept as it was commonplace in society back then including the northern scene but it was minimal in my experience.. I remember getting chased into a multi storey car park near the casino 80/81 I think I was being chased by the mods!!?? it was before a nighter I was 16 and it was a bit scary.. but that was about it for me no more trouble..  not sure how settled the casino would have been if it had alcohol on sale tho!!.

The strength of the film, for me, was it captured the madness and the identity of the scene so well done for that.

[Little-stevie]

Got to see the film last night.... I was left needing something more just as it ended...I was really looking forward to the USA record trip.. Some pleasing moments but expected more after all the talk on social media and build up...Great location and attention to detail with wardrobe/ cars etc... Lead actor was a real find and kept it together for me... The drug use had to be included but I thought it's use throughout the film could have been taken up with some lighter moments... The grim up North feel in 1974 was pretty much as i remember it and youth club scenes really took me back, spot on... A great achievment on behalf of all involved, it's a mammoth effort indeed to bring it to the big screen... I know from experience that it's all in the edit, so much left on the cutting room floor, was expecting more dancing and casino scenes with the people I know who were involved and the years of dance training.. Only so much you can fit into less than 2 hours I guess... 3 out 5 for me...

[Scotters]

Good to keep hearing this film popping up in general unrelated interviews etc on TV and Radio...driving this afternoon and between CD's flicked onto 5 Live...famous crime writer Martina Cole having a quite interesting natter on there and raised out of the blue that she attended the premier + has watched it again since and good friends with a few people behind it, that's she highly recommends it & loves the music etc.

[Peter99]

I watched it at home on Blue Ray last night. Not gonna try and pick it a part in any detail - it's a film. Suffice to say I enjoyed it. 

 

Well done to everyone involved.

 

Peter

 

[Mark R]

Does anyone understand the review in Soul Survivors magazine better than I do?

Cheers,

Mark R

[DennieFitz]

I actually enjoyed the film i thought it was quite funny in bits.  ie young lad appears with a trophy i have just won the dance competition yep fuck off soo funny.  As for the drugs scene i remember my mate telling me somebody had died on the bus from bolton to wigan as he had used rain water when he was going to jack up speaks volumes. 

[Swifty]

I watched it at home on Blue Ray last night. Not gonna try and pick it a part in any detail - it's a film. Suffice to say I enjoyed it. 

 

Well done to everyone involved.

 

Peter

 

Blue Ray OOOOOOH get you Pierre ! dont even know what it is 

[Drewtg]

Does anyone understand the review in Soul Survivors magazine better than I do?

Cheers,

Mark R

 

No. I think the bloke has done a bit too much wacky. He hasn't got a clue what he is writing about...................and neither have I.

Maybe he's aiming for contovesy but hasn't got the IQ to figure out how to do it?

[Rick Smith]

I thought it was ok.

Some cringeworthy bits and quite a lot of inacuracies but it was a work of fiction I suppose.

Not everyone had carrier bags full of gear on tap, most of us bought week to week and I never saw anyone cranking up. Most of us  only ever dreamed of going to the States, we couldn't affor Benidorm never mind Detroit or Chicago.

The only real violence I witnessed was when those vermin that hung out in the entrance to Mr.M's who used to tap everyone up for money evenually got a hiding from the bouncers. A good result which put a stop to that.

Like I said, it was a work of fiction, but I've been surprised by how many younger folk at work have watched it and have made comment. Most I thought took it a bit too literally, as if it were all fact. It has highlighted some great aspects of the scene in the day but for a lot of 'outsiders' I think it did put a bit of a negative spin on it and as someone earlier said I can't see it having a massive effect on numbers joining the scene.

Good effort but I won't be buying it on DVD.

[Guest]

Just a bit of fun mate, it's Friday.

 

More fun ! - If you where there you will know - If you were not

you will wish you had been ! - I was there - Thought the film was "Kin brill !

 

"Never ever let me see anyone "Ballroom dancing" @ a NORTHERN SOUL do "

 

 

 

 

 

Is it Friday yet ! ? 

Edited November 10, 2014 by ninja

[Russ Vickers]

If I could have gone in a car, like in the film I would have definitely given it a go. The problem that I had back in the seventies was no transport. My parents never owned a car, and I couldn't afford one. All my money went on records, and I lived out in the sticks, transport links were non existent.

Traveling in the seventies as a teenager was a very haphazard and dangerous thing to do. The only way I got to Blackpool Mecca was there was a special bus from Colne. It was a challenge just to get to Colne. Either hitch hike, or walk. Same with going to the Pendelum at Manchester. It was a long walk to get to Kellbrook to catch the bus.

It never ceases to amaze me how so many youngsters managed to get to and from events back then.

The seventies was the era of the boot boy and the football hooligan. Just being in another town meant you were fair game for the local hooligans to give you a kicking. I wasn't a big fan of using public transport back then.

I was always skint back then. Poorly paid jobs and all my money went to John Anderson and Brian Phillips. 

 

 

 

Hey Phil

 

The easiest trip was an 8 hour train journey, yes, I said easiest.  I could only really afford the train journey once a month, so t'other times i had to jump the train, hitch hike & raise money in other ways to afford the journey....i actually made Station Road my 'home' address, so I could get a free travel warrant when I was in the military...

 

Roll on 30 plus years or more, when I travelled to Burnley when you promoted it on Fridays, I used to have to wag off from work early & the car journey was over 6 hours in the rush hour/weekend traffic....& I was travelling alone, so the cost alone was a nightmare.

 

When attending Hitsville Weekender - I would hammer it to London, get a plane, drive an hour in a hire car, do two Nighters, 2 dayers, then do the same journey back & be at work bright eyed & bushy tailed first thing Monday morning....nothings changed really :-).

 

BTW Loved the film...

 

Best Russ 

[Sunnysoul]

Everyone should be grateful that at least this film didn't turn out to be like Hollywood's dire homage to the Carolina Beach Music scene ....

 

Edited November 10, 2014 by sunnysoul

[Guest Rubber Soul]

Have just checked and there are now three separate pirates of the film up for downloading, over 1000 people downloading as I write this, and about 155 people seeding.  1000 x £7.99 down the drain...unless of course, people like it and go and buy it, but with no extras on the dvd...(why not?)

 

Those pirates are truly a**holes!

Regarding extras - on blu-ray there´s a "Making Of" documentary (duration 45 mins), and on the DVD, none yes a shame and a bit strange...

On the double-CD soundtrack (brilliant, 54 songs), you also get a DVD with extras, namely: actor James Lance (plays top DJ Ray Henderson) interviews Elaine +

a really interesting audio interview with Richard Searling, set to a slide-show of his photos, labels and Wigan memorabilia.

[Drewtg]

Those pirates are truly a**holes!

Regarding extras - on blu-ray there´s a "Making Of" documentary (duration 45 mins), and on the DVD, none yes a shame and a bit strange...

On the double-CD soundtrack (brilliant, 54 songs), you also get a DVD with extras, namely: actor James Lance (plays top DJ Ray Henderson) interviews Elaine +

a really interesting audio interview with Richard Searling, set to a slide-show of his photos, labels and Wigan memorabilia.

 

Yeah I feel a bit miffed that I have the CD and DVD but because I don't have Blue-Ray I don't get "The making of", what's that all about? Hopefully someone will bang it on Youtube for us plebs

[puw]

Hilarious - well done. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7YFOjmOeeQ

 

The film was great, very nostalgic for me and in what was shown, think on this was only "a part" of all that went on.

[Steve S 60]

Just read that Elaine Constantine has been nominated for Best Breakthrough British Filmmaker by the Critic's Circle.....

 

https://www.criticscircle.org.uk/film/?ID=404

 

Good Luck.

[Mike]

my youngest said the film itself got a very good review/mention in buzzfeed cinema round up of the year

[paultp]

A bit late but my excuse is I've been ill for the last few months. 

 

Finally saw the film tonight and thought it was absolutely brilliant, packed a lot of story into a short time, possibly too much, but did it remarkably well. Portraying the scene as full of scary people mostly off their faces chimed a bit as that's how I remember it. Probably why I never really got involved and just messed around on the edges. Some artistic licence with the music but if you want to epitomise the music to today's youth you couldn't have chosen better.

 

All in all a really good film, Elaine and everyone involved should be incredibly proud of producing such a fantastic film. Well done!

Edited January 24, 2015 by paultp

[Ian Parker]

Well done all involved.   .   Well put together, but too much gear action for my liking ?

i got a tad bored mid way through, but managed to hang on til the end.    A very poignant storyline, something we can all relate to (although two years too early for my apprenticeship on the scene).. Youth club, plotting a story to fool the parents etc etc. 

  not too bad, I will watch it again soon and get a second perspective. 

[Guest Russell H]

One of the best British films of recent years, with a great soundtrack. I need to buy the blu-ray.

 

Far better than SoulBoy (which I enjoyed more on a second viewing, but still isn't very good).

[Steve S 60]

The film is now showing on Sky On Demand.