Blinded By The Light

The screen door slams, Mary's dress waves
Like a vision she dances across the porch as the radio plays
Roy Orbison singing for the lonely
Hey, that's me, and I want you only
Don't turn me home again
I just can't face myself alone again
Don't run back inside
Darling, you know just what I'm here for
So you're scared and you're thinking
That maybe we ain't that young anymore
Show a little faith, there's magic in the night
You ain't a beauty, but, hey, you're alright
Oh, and that's alright with me

Who'd have thought a song written in 1975 would turn out to be the basis for one of the most joyous cinematic moments of 2019. A market stall singalong that will make you smile like a goofy eejit even if you don't want to.

Javed (Viveik Kalra in a star making turn) is a teenager from a Pakistani family in 1980's Luton. It's a town full of losers and he needs to pull out of there to win. He hates his life, he's trapped by his own culture and tradition and the racism of Margaret Thatcher's England is weighing heavily on his shoulders. On his first day in 6th form college he discovers the music of Bruce Springsteen and he's instantly obsessed when he realises this New Jersey singer's lyrics are speaking directly to him. His life starts to change for the better but his father Malik (Kulvinder Ghir) doesn't like what he sees one little bit. He's a man who believes sons should be brought up to do just like their daddy's done (sorry).

Blinded By The Light is an absolute joy. A big cheesy joy but one tinged with necessary darkness (at the edge of town). It perfectly captures that feeling of discovery, when you find something that you fall for instantly but cuts it with a damning look at what life for minorities was like in the 80's and still sadly is like in Brexit era UK. The clothes and music might be different now but being a teenager and all the pain and fun that comes along with it is universal, just like the lyrics of the songs that pull Javed out of the murk he's in.

Director Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham) doesn't just point her camera and her blame outward though. The patriarchal values of the Pakistani community come under her scrutiny too and when they are juxtaposed with words from songs like The River and Dancing In The Dark, it helps us outsiders get a taste of what life is like in an insular community and gives us a new appreciation of songs we've heard a million times. It's an inspired use of music but it's when the Boss's words are used in a happy manner that the film truly and brilliantly springs to life

A literal reaction to Born To Run and a singalong to Thunder Road will have you bouncing in your chair, fighting the urge to sing along (fuck it, sing along, I did) and the fun Viveik Kalra has with the music is infectious because he's created a character you empathise with. Awkward, gangly, confused, he's all of us and it's brilliant watching him bloom but then it's crushing when his dreams are dashed. Kulvinder Ghir as his father Malik is just as good in the part of a man you'll initially dislike but as you come to understand him and the culture he grew up in he'll start to grow on you like that magnificent moustache he rocks so well.

At nearly 2 hrs it does overstay it's welcome especially in the latter stages as it loses some focus and the story starts being painted in very broad strokes but it's a film for everyone and in it's clash of cultures you may even learn something. If you're a Bruce fan you'll have a ball but even if you ain't there's a lot here to enjoy.