Northern Soul is the story of a youth culture in the 1970s, which changed a generation. No longer satisfied with the prospect of a small town life and a factory production line, two young boys dream of going to America to discover rare records which will help them become the best DJs on the scene. This forces them to confront rivalry, violence and drug abuse and their friendship is tested to the limit. This is Northern Soul.
To be honest, I LOVE this kind of movie (British movies about youth culture from another era which make you think : If you were there, you'll know. If you weren't there, you'll wish you had been) so I might be a little biased but still I had such a great time !
The film is worth watching for anyone interested in England in the seventies , music trends and dancing.
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The popularity of the Northern Soul scene surged when the all-nighters began at Wigan Casino nightclub
The film deals with the phenomenon that was Northern Soul (which started around Manchester (where I'm currently living wow)).
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A music and dance genre that centered on rejected soul music that did not make it big time in the American charts but was embraced by the working class kids of northern England who made it their own (ah the eternal search for excitement and novelty).
The movie recaptures the depressing atmosphere of the time (drug use, violence, hopelessness of the school system, disintegrating family life).
Fantastic music
and great moves on the dancefloor (you won't be disappointed). It may look like choreographed martial arts with legs and arms flailing but it was a precursor to some of the disco and break dance moves that appeared in the years afterwards.
What also struck me is the strength of the friendship between the main characters (stellar cast by the way) Matt and John. The support and understanding and acceptance of one another is remarkable.
This feisty, frequently amusing chronicle of 2 young men's journey (and what a journey !) through the dancehalls of Lancashire nails its time and place. Best get on your dancing shoes ;-)
NORTHERN SOUL, ELAINE CONSTANTINE (2014)