Mark Kermode reviews Northern Soul

Mark kermode reviews Northern Soul. The film tells the tale of two Northern boys whose worlds are changed forever when they discover black American soul music. Northern Soul was phenomenally popular with British youths in the 1970s, taking the North of the country by storm. Northern Soul the film intends to appeal to those generations of fans while attracting a modern audience who can relate to youth culture from another era. If you were there, you'll know. If you weren't there, you'll wish you had been.
Please tell us what you think of the film -- or Mark’s review of the film below. We love to include your views on the show every Friday.
www.bbc.co.uk/5...
Fridays at 2pm on BBC 5 live.

[@davec88888888]

As somebody who was born in 1956 and pretty much replicated this young lads introduction to Northern Soul let me put A myth to bed for Good . The early 70s was a fantastic time to be young. We had brilliant football teams, it was a holders age for TV . music was exciting as I say I’m northern soul through and through but we had Bowie, stones, Mott the hoople Led Zeppelin, Rod Stewart et cetera. We had subcultures there was still skinheads, mods, rockers don’t be fooled by this narrative that the early 70s were bad for young people they were absolutely phenomenal.

[@clarkewi]

One of the best styles of American music. Been a fan since about 1963 when I was 12. Martha and the Vandellas, Curtis Mayfield etc. So many great groups. The list is endless. But it all has an infectious beat and great melodies and hooks.

[@clarkewi]

And the amazing dance beats.

[@karenbedford2029]

This was a low budget film, made by a very down to earth person who loves her music. Obvious will get some who will criticise but then what film have they made? This was made with passion, and assisted by people on the scene now and then. Elaine to be nominated for a BAFTA shows that many appreciated everything she did.

[@redstar7292]

Northern soul was before my time but I heard of it via Bands Like Dexys Midnight Runners. Despite criticisms I think does convey what a scene it was, and the passion they had for the music. These working class kids that lived for Saturday night. It seems to be the precursor to the rave scene.

[@peterlatham206]

Good review that was. The pure essence of the northern soul science was the music,the beat the rhythm. Would love to walk on to that hallowed dance floor and do my stuff again. The music gripped you like no other, and nothing ever will. KTF.

[@dp500cat]

I went to see this film over the weekend at the Cornerhouse Cinema in Manchester - three showings that day, Cinema full and long queues snaking around the block. Not bad for a film that was destined for 'straight to DVD' release because distributors weren't interested in showing it in the mainstream Cinemas. It makes you realise that what we watch is controlled by the Distributors and has nothing to do with the quality of the films on offer. Rather like the Northern Soul Scene itself which refused to play the chart music of the day and the latest releases and found their own music

[@andyscoot43]

Typical. They could have nipped on the train to Wigan (Which was obviously a big part of the northern soul scene) and seen it cheaper and not in a crammed cinema. You are kind of twisting the truth though. The only queue was waiting for the screen to open to get in. Not to buy the tickets.

[@garryryan210]

I'm even more looking forward to seeing this now . Kermode comparing it to Good Vibrations ( which I loved ) , has just upped my excitement levels.

[@susansampson2942]

Best times ever.x

[@Pamela1Holt]

Excellent review - thanks Mark!

[@timspaceman]

Josh (who plays Matt) is also in a band - facebook.com/moreliketrees

[@EchelonDnB]

Superb film. Loved it.

[@Luvie1980]

I would like to see this film.

[@ExtremeBogom]

Apparently you would like to see many films

[@Luvie1980]

***** Yes Copernicus I would, since I have a passion for acting, films and I am a film maker.

[@Luvie1980]

Phil Porter Well read this thinking out loud comment troll: GFY!!!!!

[@EchelonDnB]

Luvie1980 What does giffy mean???

[@Luvie1980]

Megachotz It's not giffy, it is GFY. Google it.

[@imageaware]

If you search for 'Melanie Brand New Key' you will see what a great song it is.

[@WilliamSmith-mx6ze]

Better, check the Brendan Grace/Wurzels version...

[@Gary80264]

I am deeply disappointed. There are some good British films out there and they don't release it nationwide. I hear Good Vibrations is a good film, why wasn't that film release nationwide. Now, Northern Soul. I live in Herne Hill, surely they should have released it there.

[@jakesmum]

Have had the film a while,just got round to watching it,I found it very patchy,I can't remember the toilets at the Casino ever being empty

[@elvingtonred]

Totally ignored the surge in 'New Releases' that were played at The Mecca/Cleethorpes/The Ritz

[@devillehall6171]

Oh ffs 😩😩😩😩

[@fictiveaudio]

Very good review. The guy on the right obviously couldn't care less (body language and irrelevant comments)...

[@MrSyrett]

Thats just their schtick

[@oliverfirst7040]

He'd rather say Hello to Jeremy Irons

[@kopynd1]

whats he going on about, teddy boys, rockers, skinheads, northern soul73, we lived life to the full he said nothing to do, clueless

[@1KFOXY]

terrible film , people I knew who went there didn't talk and act like that , save yer money

[@4li5t4ir]

Sorry Mark you are so wrong here. Northern Soul had neither of the charm of Good Vibrations or even the grit of another fantastic music movie, Control. There was no plot and I didn't feel invested in the characters at all. I know it has all the things Mark likes, female director, British movie, set in the 1970s and a good soundtrack, but sadly even a good soundtrack can't save this stinker.

[@devillehall6171]

Its a good film but nowhere near as good as Good Vibrations,which had a huge advantage in that its based on a brilliant book by Terri Hooley.

[@feran41]

Really disappointed with the film , poor acting , weak story line , dire ending

[@devillehall6171]

So when is your film out ...?

[@capitol7950]

​@@devillehall6171 the thing is how do you recreate a niter I thought she done a good job.