It’s a tale as old as time; a young man, feeling alienated from his
community and cut off from his family’s conservative values, finds an escape
and a way to express his true self in music. It's what music is for - well, that and dancing about, which is currently frowned upon in cinemas.
The twist here is that it’s 1987
Luton and Javed (Viveik Kalra) is a British-Pakistani teenager who discovers
freedom in pretty much the most unlikely source imaginable (for him): the then somewhat daggy music
of Bruce Springsteen.
Based on the true story of UK journalist Sarfraz Manzoor,
this follows his struggles against entrenched racism, a domineering (yet
caring) father (Kulvinder Ghir), and a society that sees Springsteen as yesterday’s
man (some of this movie’s best jokes come when Javed’s passion butts up against
the reality that in 1987 The Boss is now seen as past it).
The story hits all
the traditional notes, but the family struggles often have an authentically
harsh edge to them (the racism they face is not soft-pedalled) and Javed’s connection
to the mood of Springsteen’s music feels thrillingly hard-won.
As the latest in the current
cycle of jukebox musicals, this leans more on the music’s message than pumping
out a series of toe-tapping beats – though there’s one big musical number on Luton’s
streets that’s authentically joyful – and after the gritty drama a heartwarming ending feels satisfyingly
deserved.
- Anthony Morris
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