If you’re a fan of films about music then 2019 has been a great year for you. First, we had the fantastic Wild Rose then we had the equally fantastic Yesterday all come out within a week of each other. Now, the next film is ready to present itself to the world. That film is Blinded by the Light which takes a lot of inspiration from The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, and his music. But does the film continue on the trend of great music films of the year?
You bet it does. While the film doesn’t quite use music in a similar fashion as the aforementioned films, Blinded by the Light‘s story of acceptance, culture, and family is what ultimately makes this film feel special and real.
Blinded by the Light follows Javed, a teenager in 1987 England that’s struggling to find his place in the world thanks to his overbearing father. However, he finally is able to discover himself when he listens to the music of Bruce Springsteen. Thus, his world would never be the same again…
Blinded by the Light is a film that feels different from all the other music films of the year. It just feels like a film that has a unique and special voice. Javed’s journey through England in 1987 is full of frustrating and defeating moments. Racism and strict parentage are just some of the struggles that he goes through during this time. It’s a very real and very sobering reality that a majority of people can relate too. All of it together shows you that the odds were definitely against him. As a result, you just want to root for him.
Similarly, Javed’s father, Malik, goes through a lot of struggles in the film too. Their lives parallel with each other more than they care to accept and it’s kind of heartbreaking to see them argue with each other. However, Malik’s strong personality makes him a hard person to root for. But the times that he opens himself up, he becomes someone that just want to hug. It’s as if he was your own father and you want to give him a hug.
At the same time, the film is chock full of Pakistani ideals and culture, and, of course, Bruce Springsteen’s music. Although some of the ideas and culture may or may not relate to us, you can still appreciate everything you see. After all, these things are what define every single human being.
Be that as it may, the music doesn’t play a big part in the film… At least, not in the way you might think. It’s very clear that Bruce Springsteen plays a big part in Javed’s life. But it comes to the point where it feels too much of a Springsteen love fest. The filmmakers, at times, shoehorn his music into the film—it just doesn’t come naturally. Sometimes it overstays its welcome and other times it fits perfectly. It just depends on usage.
Unfortunately, the film takes a while before it reaches its stride. To get its sympathetic point across, the film takes a while to establish Javed’s unhappiness with his life. It’s just dragging and the film slightly suffers due to it.
Regardless, the cast does a phenomenal job in telling Javed’s story. Everyone is just so naturally compelling that you’ll end up liking everyone. Not to mention, the family all act and play of each other as a real family. Everyone just seems real.
Overall, Blinded by the Light is a heartwarming and sweet film about family. Bruce Springsteen’s music does play a big part in the film but unlike other music films, the film focuses strictly on the characters while the music is a secondary thing. That’s why Blinded by the Light is different and that’s why this film is unique.
Rating: 4/5 atoms
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