The Film - Reviews

[pikeys dog]

Here's my view....

 

5/10

 

Main characters were spot on - only to be let down by the "name" members of the cast - Lisa Stansfield should stick to warbling, John Thompson was too old for the part, Steve Coogan was Alan Partridge and Ricky Tomlinson's part was brief at best, so could have been filled by any actor of a certain age.

 

I know this is anal, but a couple of choices for tracks in the film really ground my gears  - Love Starved Heart and Suspicion played in quick succession -  then the best friend complaining about 'commercial shit' being played...  of all the thousands of Northern Soul records they could have access to, why these later discoveries?

 

Youth club scenes were good, but they could have done with throwing a couple of commercial poppy things in there for a bit more authenticity (Skiing in the Snow or similar).

 

A bit of a Curates Egg IMO.

[Simsy]

Steve Coogan was Alan Partridge 

 

 

 

I thought his Northern accent was pretty good as opposed to Partridge charter which is Norwich.

Edited October 18, 2014 by Simsy

[Missing Link]

I thought his Northern accent was pretty good as opposed to Partridge charter which is Norwich.

He should be able to do one because he comes from Middleton!

[Simsy]

He should be able to do one because he comes from Middleton!

 

Exactly! 

[Mellorful]

Cant fault the film, we will order the DVD and watch it again.

We enjoyed all elements of the film, depressed and gritty northern town with language that was used in the area at the time. In 74 I was 11 years old at high school in Wigan and the word 'Soz' was used all the time by way of apology, if you used the word 'sorry' we would have thought you was speaking a foreign language (and got beaten up for sounding like a softy).

I can't comment with authority about the use of drugs at the casino because I was too young to attend but those who I speak to who were present have all said that drugs were a reality on the scene. 

I wondered whether the ending to the film left it open for a follow up.........

Just for good measure after the film we went to Swinley Labour club and young Jordan who appeared as a extra in the film delivered a set and played some great tunes so we had a good dance as well.

[spot]

Think the old boy's got more on his plate at the moment than a bout of litigation....

Anyone who hasn't had a humour bypass can see that was tongue in cheek, as we all know Ian isn't well, it was just to show how inconsequential the mis-spelling was.  

Spot    

[macca]

Anyone who hasn't had a humour bypass can see that was tongue in cheek, as we all know Ian isn't well, it was just to show how inconsequential the mis-spelling was.  

Spot    

Yes, I know mate, and my post wasn't supposed to sound admonishing. Apologies if it did. :-)

[Agentsmith]

totally SPOT ON! chalks....KERMODE without any shadow of a doubt, is THE U.K.'S No.1 critic on all film subjects, and a great lover of music as well...if he's prepared to get behind a british film of this nature,that paints a picture of the greatest subculture the world has EVER witnessed, then that's high praise indeed. let no-one be in any doubt whatsoever...what ELAINE CONSTANTINE has achieved is a worthy appraisal of youth and it's worshipping of a music that is eternal, meaningful and vocally inspiring, that has sustained it's ability to engage people looking for something different in a world of ineptitude. she had faith in herself to deliver and as a result, others strove to aid her to complete this voyage....it, as if ANYONE NEEDS REMINDING, has been a labour of love, NOT something cobbled together in a matter of weeks...painstaking years infact, it fully characterizes her unflinching devotion to producing a portrait of that moment in time when all was new, when northern soul was something mystical, that appeared on the horizon to salvage people's belief in real music, when the mire of pop was drowning people's ability to differentiate between the mundane. almost 50 years on, it would be a travesty if we didn't have a platform to display our unadulterated and lifelong love for the music and the scene it permeates. ELAINE has given it an unbelievably huge shot in the arm and if our film critics, regardless of their intellect can give this a thumbs up, then we've ALL not done too bad for nearly 50 years of showing the world that there is an alternative that quite simply WON'T GO AWAY.

Edited October 21, 2014 by AGENTSMITH

[Agentsmith]

yes, ordered the dvd...BUT IT ISN'T THE SAME NECESSARILY, IS IT?...so having witnessed the premier at blackburn 3 weeks ago now, i'm off to the cinema in bridgnorth to get the atmosphere of a darkened room again...and the niece who has no identity with the music whatsoever, apart from hearing it in our car & house whenever she pays a visit but......want's to see it the film for herself to satisfy her curiosity...THAT i believe, will be the object of the exercise for millions across the u.k. want to see and understand better what so engenders us to this scene and music, viewed as tribalism or not.

[John May]

Thinking on, i wonder if the ending has left it open for a follow up film ?, The two mates walking across the bridge at the end with the MVPS playing.  Maybe they'll get to go to the states finally on that record trip, that would be a good film.  Or the next film will be set 40 years in the future in 2014, the lads in their 50's bald and still mad on the music, lots of possibilities.................

[Agentsmith]

Thinking on, i wonder if the ending has left it open for a follow up film ?, The two mates walking across the bridge at the end with the MVPS playing.  Maybe they'll get to go to the states finally on that record trip, that would be a good film.  Or the next film will be set 40 years in the future in 2014, the lads in their 50's bald and still mad on the music, lots of possibilities.................

well it's conceivably posssible, but the latter theory's the better bet...which of course would mean, exactly what various documentaries have failed to address...telling the story how it is now.

[Soul-slider]

Is this film our 'Quadrophenia'?

Can't wait to see it, not in any cinema's here yet (East Anglia).

Wonder what the Yanks would make of it, after all they are the originators of the music....  

[MartynJJ]

Is this film our 'Quadrophenia'?

Can't wait to see it, not in any cinema's here yet (East Anglia).

Wonder what the Yanks would make of it, after all they are the originators of the music....  

No ... Quadrophenia is a crock of shite

 

This isn't

[Guest]

Mark Kermode's review

 

Good review by Kermode.....shame about the idiot with him

[Staceys Dad]

so ELAINE has given the scene a " unbelievably shot in the arm ".....didnt know it needed one....its never been healthier has it....more soul nights to shake a stick at....weekenders coming out of our ears....soul cruises....European soul trips........i.really hope she make money out of it...SHE DESERVES TO AFTER ALL THE TIME SHE HAS PUT INTO IT....

Edited October 18, 2014 by staceys dad

[Guest Matt Male]

Mark Kermode gave it the Film of the Week, high praise indeed from the best film critic out there IMO.

 

There is a podcast of the show Pete, Mayo and Kermode Film Review.

 

I agree Chalky. Very encouraging that Mark Kermode gives it the thumbs up. I didn't get chance to see it at the cinema, but I have ordered the DVD which should arrive Monday. I'm on half term, so I'll have all week to digest it.

[Ady Croasdell]

I'm really surprised they are doing a simultaneous cinema and video release - once people get their copies on monday, it'll be up on the pirate bay within hours, they surely should have given it a month?

The film industry didn't KTF and should rightly be highly embarrassed about how they have handled the film from start to finish. They should KOKO

[Agentsmith]

so ELAINE has given the scene a " unbelievably shot in the arm ".....didnt know it needed one....its never been healthier has it....more soul nights to shake a stick at....weekenders coming out of our ears....soul cruises....European soul trips........i.really hope she make money out of it...SHE DESERVES TO AFTER ALL THE TIME SHE HAS PUT INTO IT....

true, it's payback time for her commitment....of course the scene is thriving anyway, i can't deny that and has been for more years than i care to remember, but she has given it impetus  to those on the outside, who want to genuinely get a grasp of our logic....pushed it firmly into the spotlight for a bigger audience to view...and...hopefully, one not so cynical as with previous generations....point being, that an increasing amount of youngsters are finding " the way out"...just like we did in the 70's.

Edited October 18, 2014 by AGENTSMITH

[Agentsmith]

Good review by Kermode.....shame about the idiot with him

mayo loves to wind him up...a complete nob!

[Northern Soul Uk]

He's a ghost

[Northern Soul Uk]

Let's give a thought to the ones responsible for the story, the ones that without them, there would be no story, the ones that developed the story from humble beginnings and nurtured the story to what it is today, and what it will be for many years to come.
US! THE ORIGINAL NORTHERN SOULIES.

Let's hear it for the creators!!!!

[Frankie Crocker]

The Times Film Correspondent, Wendy Ide, nominates Northern Soul as her Top Pick today, Saturday 18th October.

I don't recall anyone at the Casino doing head spins though.

[Frankie Crocker]

The film industry didn't KTF and should rightly be highly embarrassed about how they have handled the film from start to finish. They should KOKO

Right On Ady. We now want payback and demand Northern Soul be the Christmas Day blockbuster followed by a two hour documentary on how the film was made. Surely Elaine should be mentioned in the New Year's Honours... Really enjoyed the Northern Soul Film Party at the 100 Club last night.

[Agentsmith]

Let's give a thought to the ones responsible for the story, the ones that without them, there would be no story, the ones that developed the story from humble beginnings and nurtured the story to what it is today, and what it will be for many years to come.

US! THE ORIGINAL NORTHERN SOULIES.

Let's hear it for the creators!!!!

absolutely!.....everyone involved made this happen, lets hope this gets released globally and HANG any one who s it!

[Ady Croasdell]

Let's give a thought to the ones responsible for the story, the ones that without them, there would be no story, the ones that developed the story from humble beginnings and nurtured the story to what it is today, and what it will be for many years to come.

US! THE ORIGINAL NORTHERN SOULIES.

Let's hear it for the creators!!!!

One or two black Americans were involved along the way

[Guest FrostyJak]

Luved it,  was i bit before my time but great sounds part 2 stafford on wards please !!

[Northern Soul Uk]

One or two black Americans were involved along the way

Absolutely, I suppose we can give them some credit too  . But it must also be said that a lot of those will have given up hope of having a hit record and many went back to their day jobs etc. We all know the story!!

[Len]

Nina and I dipped into The 100 Club on Friday, a quick hello to Marco, then, before walking straight into the glass door (A you’ve been framed moment there!) A hi to Ady, a bit of a dance, a big hug from Sean Adams, then home ready to see the film on Saturday -

 

Just back - It stirred my emotions……

 

The anticipation of opening that record list, and ringing up for that record (Inc the lock on the phone!)

 

Finally getting ‘that’ record - The sheer excitement!

 

Dancing ‘hard’ completely covered in sweat, and just not caring!

 

Dancing on the way home! Me and my mates did this on the way home from Gloucester Hall in 1985 (Before smashing a load of milk bottles!)

 

When he was dancing just after his friend had died - Dancing to a certain record that relates so much to something that has happened in my life.

 

When he was crying, listening to a record at home.

 

….Reading our friends names, that are no longer with us, on the credits.

 

Thank you for a film that is so close to our hearts.

 

Len ‘n’ Nina x

 

P.s - I will now read every one else's views.

Edited October 18, 2014 by LEN

[Len]

Luved it,  was i bit before my time but great sounds part 2 stafford on wards please !!

 

I think the film included a touch of all eras - I wasn't there in the 70's but related to so many things, not least the emotions.

 

All the best,

 

Len - 'The Soppy Git'  

Edited October 18, 2014 by LEN

[Shaun W]

Saw it last night in Bury St Edmunds and it was worth the drive from Peterborough.

I really enjoyed the film, that's it as far as the review goes other than to say Steve Coogan's character is nothing like Alan Partridge, as has been suggested on here previously. However, his character is like so many of the teachers that I encountered in school in the 70's.

It seemed rather appropriate watching the film in a small independent cinema rather than one of the soulless multiplexes. A little bit like the feeling you get from being at the 100 Club when you're 1 of 200 like minded souls in a City that has a population of 10M who have no idea what you're doing.

I

Edited October 18, 2014 by Shaun W

[bobkayli]

A really good night at the Reading Showcase. The film was shown in the largest hall in the cinema and was full except for the front rows. Like stepping back in time with probably around 300 plus in the audience. Good mix of Northern soulies, mods, scooter club and a few along for the experience. Saw several people we recognised from weekenders all over the country. A really nice feel about the place.

The film captured the atmosphere and attitudes of the time very well even down to the copies of Blues & Soul and buying job lots of records from the shop in the famous inside back cover feature. Attention to detail of many features of life at the time was also to be commended including the old lock on the telephone to stop the children using it were lovely touches.

The film was basically a meander through teenage rites of passage with all of the obvious stops but was done at a fast pace so the audience was held throughout. The class room scenes were well done with Steve Coogan playing the teacher. The home scenes were also well conveyed with Lisa Stansfield playing mum to a teenager and Ricky Tomlinson being granddad in the care home. The characters were a bit one dimensional but maybe this is appropriate since it was trying to capture the all-consuming nature of the music. This it brought out well. The storyline overplayed the drug scene but that was maybe necessary to carry it as a film. Raw and uncompromising, it also showed the gritty nature of life at the time which someone described as seedy, which, looking back, is probably a true reflection of life in the early 70s for many.

I've held off writing on the music so far but have to say it was brilliant and well-chosen. Several times I wanted to get up and move. The audience contained itself from jumping up several times as some great music and dancing was seen. The underground nature and almost alienation from 'non-believers' was also well drawn-put in the movie making it self-contained for the lover of the music. The main dance hall was a good portrayal of the Casino.

Incredibly as a first to my knowledge, the audience remained seated and attentive through the credits at the end of the film as Turning My Heartbeat Up was played. No-one moved. They then burst into applause as the credits rolled.

A really worthwhile exercise which I guess will go down as a definitive film of the Northern Soul scene, warts and all. Clearly written and produced by people with a knowledge and passion for the scene.

Some timing errors, for example I don't think Marvin Gaye's Love Starved Heart Of Mine was around in the early 70's, but I'm being picky now.

A really enjoyable evening rounded off a jig and a pint at my local pub which had a soul, Motown and reggae night

[Guest Byrney]

The post above from Bobkayli just about covers it for me. Throughly enjoyed it. 

Reading some of the comments on facebook I think some people on the facebook northern groups were expecting a sugar coated, fluffy outing produced by the Northern Soul friendly society marketing board.

What you got was a good story, warts and all about two characters journey within a period of Northern Soul and the tale of where it took them. I related to all of it, yes it focused on some of the darker aspects of the scene but also got over the passion for music. I've seen the dark side as I guess many who have been around for a few years would have. Gear was everywhere and I've seen people cranking up far more times than I would have liked to. Not big and clever but a reality decades ago. Some seem to forgot how dodgy and sometimes challenging this scene of ours used to be 

I thought there was bags of humour and drama in there as well. Proper enjoyed it.

Edited October 19, 2014 by Byrney

[Patto]

Me the Wife and 17 year old daughter went to see the film last night at Cleethorpes Parkway cinema.Realy enjoyed it and saw traits of many of the characters in people i have met  along the way and could relate to many situations especially the youth club stuff.My wife enjoyed it as well and my daughter fancied the Josh Whitehouse character so she was happy.Daughter did comment on the drug taking saying that it sempt like to some the drugs were more important than the music but i think the whole thing was delt with about right.

This will turn into an iconic film and the creators should feel proud of what they have done for the legacy of the scene

[Jim G]

Well we can all nit pick, but for me the film was perfect. It captured the period perfectly. This could only have done by someone with a real passion and some one who really cared about presenting the period as it was back then. Elaine should get a BAFTA for this movie. I think it will grow and grow in popularity. 

 

The clothes, the journey from not knowing about soul to hunting records, practicing dancing, drugs etc. were all part of the scene, even the fighting and squaddies. I never took drugs, but I knew all about the drug scene. 1971 to 1974 were great for me and this film evoked many memories.

 

Well done to the whole team who made this film. ANY TRUE Northern Soul "fan" has to see this at the Cinema, buy the DVD, Blu Ray and the soundtrack , it is Northern Soul law!!!

[Baldsoulie]

Preordered bluray just delivered, on a Sunday!, from Amazon. Leeds central alldayer this afternoon followed by the film in comfort of own home. Great end to weekend. Will see film before taking stock of comments above both positive and not so positive.

[Pete S]

No ... Quadrophenia is a crock of shite

 

This isn't

 

Quadrophenia is the best film about British youth culture ever made!  The only film I've seen more than Clockwork Orange and I've seen that 50 times..blimey how can anyone not like Quadrophenia, I thought it was a biopic about us at the time!

[Spacehopper]

saw it last night in an almost full Bristol cinema..one of the two showing it..enjoyed it,having read the book was expecting the drug thing to be prominent so it didn't shock or disappoint me like it did many on fb..cinema full of soulies and scooterists..not many youngsters except those with their parents..as expected really

 

wasn't cheesy to me like some of the soul boy scenes but also wasn't a feel good film I suppose ..gritty is the term used...after the watershed on tv compared to soulboy sunday afternoon!

 

great dancing,music although as has been said some post 74 tunes in there...looked authentic for the 70s but cant comment on wigan as I was 7 in 74  ..good acting especially from the youngsters..had a chemistry which reminded me of the young quad cast..which I love despite its many mistakes!

 

will hopefully watch on dvd next sunday afternoon chilling after the drive home from lifeline

 

so a big thanx ,well done and congratulations to Elaine and all who were involved

 

dean

Edited October 19, 2014 by spacehopper

[Rich B]

I think all things considered my only comment is the music; played all the right tunes - but not necessarily in the right order...

 

As for the rest of it, I thought it was pretty good!

Edited October 19, 2014 by Rich B

[Mellorful]

Saw it last night in Bury St Edmunds and it was worth the drive from Peterborough.

I really enjoyed the film, that's it as far as the review goes other than to say Steve Coogan's character is nothing like Alan Partridge, as has been suggested on here previously. However, his character is like so many of the teachers that I encountered in school in the 70's.

It seemed rather appropriate watching the film in a small independent cinema rather than one of the soulless multiplexes. A little bit like the feeling you get from being at the 100 Club when you're 1 of 200 like minded souls in a City that has a population of 10M who have no idea what you're doing.

I

The teaching was well played in the film in a conservative manner.

My experience of education in a Wigan school as an 11 year old in 74 was the arsenal of weapons teachers applied to maintain discipline. The cane, slipper, wooded tennis bats, 3ft long lump of wood 2"x 2", T squares, flying board dusters and if all that failed the teacher was not averse to grabbing pupils by the hair and dragging them to a place of punishment. Unruly pupils were thrashed daily, so I was unable to reconcile the pupil discipline in the film from that which I experienced. It may have been my school applied exceptional brutal discipline management but wondered if others got battered for disruptive behaviour in the classroom.  

[Chatty]

Tommy More by any chance Mellor?

[Ian Dewhirst]

The teaching was well played in the film in a conservative manner.

My experience of education in a Wigan school as an 11 year old in 74 was the arsenal of weapons teachers applied to maintain discipline. The cane, slipper, wooded tennis bats, 3ft long lump of wood 2"x 2", T squares, flying board dusters and if all that failed the teacher was not averse to grabbing pupils by the hair and dragging them to a place of punishment. Unruly pupils were thrashed daily, so I was unable to reconcile the pupil discipline in the film from that which I experienced. It may have been my school applied exceptional brutal discipline management but wondered if others got battered for disruptive behaviour in the classroom.  

 

I thought the school thing was pretty realistic. It had loosened-up a bit by 1973 but yes, in the 1966-1970 period, I got caned several times (thus starting a long-life of caning lol), slippered once (which hurt worse than the cane) and got slapped around the head a few times. My Latin teacher wouldn't think anything of chucking a board duster at someone's head and one time cut a pupil's face with that trick. I was questioning the whole idea of inflicting pain as a way to teach discipline. I think I even informally let them know that if I suffered any more bruising as a result of punishments, then I'd take them to court. I wasn't into any of it and thought it was unnecessarily brutal. So, I think teachers became a lot more liberal by the early 1970s. 

 

I appreciated other nuances in the film on second-viewing. On the first viewing, the film came at me so viscerally that I was pretty pumped-up throughout it and furiously pounding my leg to every record and curiously energized - like being at the Casino trying have a coherent conversation LOL.  By the second viewing, the excitement was more controlled and I started appreciating the acting, detail and other nuances more. So the film definitely has definitely had an interesting effect on me. 

 

Ian D 

[davidwapples]

Saw it last night in Bury St Edmunds and it was worth the drive from Peterborough.

I really enjoyed the film, that's it as far as the review goes other than to say Steve Coogan's character is nothing like Alan Partridge, as has been suggested on here previously. However, his character is like so many of the teachers that I encountered in school in the 70's.

It seemed rather appropriate watching the film in a small independent cinema rather than one of the soulless multiplexes. A little bit like the feeling you get from being at the 100 Club when you're 1 of 200 like minded souls in a City that has a population of 10M who have no idea what you're doing.

I

IF you want to see it again its on at the luxe cinema in wisbech this weekend  , not so far drive

[dedji1955]

The teaching was well played in the film in a conservative manner.

My experience of education in a Wigan school as an 11 year old in 74 was the arsenal of weapons teachers applied to maintain discipline. The cane, slipper, wooded tennis bats, 3ft long lump of wood 2"x 2", T squares, flying board dusters and if all that failed the teacher was not averse to grabbing pupils by the hair and dragging them to a place of punishment. Unruly pupils were thrashed daily, so I was unable to reconcile the pupil discipline in the film from that which I experienced. It may have been my school applied exceptional brutal discipline management but wondered if others got battered for disruptive behaviour in the classroom.  

Spot on mellorful.. I went to Aspull Sec in Wigan 1966 - 1970 and the teachers would frighten the kids to death by flexing various size canes before thrashing them.. The teachers ruled by force and fear and where crap at their jobs

We where in Swinley as usual and it was great to see Jordan and all the young uns there, some of them started their journey at this club

I personally loved the film and could relate to many of the scenes

After speaking to folks and reading comments on FB re the drugs too many folks are trying to deny the truth.. I had to laugh when I heard one guy say if his Mum sees the film he will be grounded for a couple of years

[Hill868]

I heard last night that there are already pirate ' bootleg' copies of the new Northern Soul movie about .... quite an amusing little irony somewhere there, i think, considering the period in time this movie is about ?!?  Comments, please !!

[Soul16]

I heard last night that there are already pirate ' bootleg' copies of the new Northern Soul movie about .... quite an amusing little irony somewhere there, i think, considering the period in time this movie is about ?!?  Comments, please !!

I just don't get it, Amazon are delivering pre-ordered DVD and Blu-ray copies today, for £9 and £11 respectively. Why would any decent human being want to knock out pirate copies, furthermore, what kind of Northern Soul or film enthusiast would feel comfortable buying a fake?

Bloody crazy if you ask me.

 

(ODVDO and OBRO for me!)

Edited October 19, 2014 by Soul16

[hullsoul]

I think it should of been done with more 'joie de vivre' like Hairspray myself.

Now that's a film I want to see.........

WIGAN CASINO the musical

Featuring

Michael Crawford as Russ Winstanley

Michael Ball as Richard Searling

&

Elaine Page as Mrs Wood

Cheers

Martyn

PS I need to stop drinking on a Sunday afternoon  

[Pete S]

The teaching was well played in the film in a conservative manner.

My experience of education in a Wigan school as an 11 year old in 74 was the arsenal of weapons teachers applied to maintain discipline. The cane, slipper, wooded tennis bats, 3ft long lump of wood 2"x 2", T squares, flying board dusters and if all that failed the teacher was not averse to grabbing pupils by the hair and dragging them to a place of punishment. Unruly pupils were thrashed daily, so I was unable to reconcile the pupil discipline in the film from that which I experienced. It may have been my school applied exceptional brutal discipline management but wondered if others got battered for disruptive behaviour in the classroom.  

 

Your school was just like my school and I am still thinking about going for a prosecution against one of the teachers!

[Pete S]

I heard last night that there are already pirate ' bootleg' copies of the new Northern Soul movie about .... quite an amusing little irony somewhere there, i think, considering the period in time this movie is about ?!?  Comments, please !!

 

There are no pirate copies of it yet.  I bet there will be tomorrow though.

[Pete S]

I just don't get it, Amazon are delivering pre-ordered DVD and Blu-ray copies today, for £9 and £11 respectively. Why would any decent human being want to knock out pirate copies, furthermore, what kind of Northern Soul or film enthusiast would feel comfortable buying a fake?

Bloody crazy if you ask me.

 

(ODVDO and OBRO for me!)

 

They don't knock them out for money, they just make them available to download for free.

[Guest Chris61]

I never knew a board duster could be thrown with such precision until one hit me at the back of the head.