Northern Soul is a vibrant and authentic portrayal of adolescent escapism and self-discovery, set against the high-octane Northern Soul scene of mid-seventies Lancashire. Which for those of you that know me, you’ll know that I hail from Lancashire, Wigan to be exact, the home of Northern Soul’s Wigan Casino. I was trilled to have the opportunity to review the film.
The debut feature film from award-winning photographer, Elaine Constantine features performances from Steve Coogan (Philomena, The Trip), John Thomson (The Fast Show, Waterloo Road), Ricky Tomlinson (Mike Bassett: England Manager, Clocking Off) and Lisa Stansfield (The Edge of Love), and tells the tale of the DJ-led movement that developed in bleak industrial North West England, sparked by the discovery of black American soul music.
With an uncompromising script, original soundtrack and fierce attention to detail, Northern Soul faithfully recreates the vibrant all-nighter scene of the 70s throughout the glory years, and tells an uplifting and honest coming of age story as two best friends confront rivalry, violence and drug abuse, testing their friendship to the limit.
Newcomers Elliot James Langridge and Joshua Whitehead are compelling in the central roles, as John and Matt, who, fuelled by amphetamines and ambition, discover the youth culture that changed a generation.
The stellar supporting cast includes Antonia Thomas (Misfits, Homefront), Jack Gordon (Panic Button, The Great Train Robbery), James Lance (The Look of Love, Boy Meets Girl), Christian McKay (Rush, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) and Ashley Taylor-Dawson (Hollyoaks).
This is a story of a youth culture that changed a generation and influenced songwriters, producers, DJs and designers for decades to come.
A must watch, Northern Soul is available to own now on iTunes and other digital platforms, and available to rent from today!
Run time: 102mins Rating: MA15+
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