The film opens with the words “inspired by a true story.” This prepares us for our hero overcoming incredible odds to achieve his dream. ‘Blinded by the Light’ is a feel-good tale from writer-director Gurinder Chadha who brought us ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ starring newcomer Keira Knightley. This indie was a crowd-pleaser at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. It has all the elements that give it a heart-felt message. It takes a working-class kid with big dreams that discovers the power of music. The audience can identify with that feeling of listening to an artist and feeling like the lyrics are personally written for them. ‘Blinded by the Light’ is an uplifting film with heart and soul.
Javed (newcomer Viveik Kalra) is from a traditional Pakistani household. He’s an awkward teen that studies hard and avoids rule-breaking. When his father (Kulvinder Ghir) gets laid off from an auto parts factory, his dreams of becoming a writer slip away as he must contribute to the household income. Javed never seems to fit in at school with the “Wham! Boys and Bananarama girls.” The time is 1987 when Margaret Thatcher is Britain’s Prime Minister and synth pop dominates the charts. It seems like the working-class town of Luton is a long distance from the promised land of London.
One day at school, Javed’s friend Roops (Aaron Phagura) lends him two cassette tapes of Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen. “Born in the U.S.A.” and “Darkness on the Edge of Town” become an escape and wake-up call for him. Although Springsteen is from a working-class town in New Jersey, his lyrics resonate for the young man. His dreams clash with his father’s values of living for his parents and not for himself. He wants to go to college and become a writer against his father’s wishes. As he becomes his own person, it’s a terrific supporting cast that solidifies his journey. The music gives Javed the courage to ask his crush Eliza (Nell Williams) on a date. I wish they could have spent more time developing his relationship with her. Williams is wonderful as his cute and supportive activist girlfriend. Another stand-out performance is his best friend Matt (Dean-Charles Chapman) who leads a synth band.
Even if you’re not a diehard Bruce Springsteen fan, it is difficult to resist the toe-tapping music. This is not a musical but there are moments when Javed and his friends burst out in song. It sounds cheesy but works quite effectively. One of the highlights is when Javed, Eliza and Roops dance along the highway and streets of Luton to “The Boss.” There is also a teacher Ms. Clay (Hayley Atwell) that believes in Javed’s raw talent. Everyone can remember that one teacher that believes in you. Ms. Clay is that special teacher in Javed’s life. This is truly an endearing coming-of-age story. Every time he seems to get knocked down, he turns on his Walkman and Springteen’s lyrics give him that boost of confidence he needs to see the light.
The heartwarming ‘Blinded by the Light’ deserves to be placed on your must-see list this summer. It tells a positive story about how the power of music can be inspirational. Growing up, everyone can remember that one artist that personally spoke to you. The film also touches on the bigotry this working-class suburb had to endure in the form of skinheads. ‘Blinded by the Light’ is a charming coming-of-age story with a terrific supporting cast.
