Set in 1987, during the austere days of Thatcher’s Britain, ‘Blinded By The Light’ is a joyous, coming-of-age story about a teenager who learns to live life, understand his family and find his own voice through the words and music of Bruce Springsteen.

From writer/director/producer Gurinder Chadha (“Bend It Like Beckham”) comes an inspirational drama set to the music and lyrics of Bruce Springsteen’s timeless songs.

“Blinded by the Light” tells the story of Javed (Viveik Kalra) a British teen of Pakistani descent, growing up in the town of Luton, England, in 1987. Amidst the racial and economic turmoil of the times, he writes poetry as a means to escape the intolerance of his hometown and the inflexibility of his traditional father, but when a classmate introduces him to the music of “the Boss,” Javed sees parallels to his working-class life in Springsteen’s powerful lyrics.

As Javed discovers a cathartic outlet for his own pent-up dreams, he also begins to find the courage to express himself in his own unique voice. Based on Sarfraz Manzoor’s acclaimed memoir Greetings from Bury Park, “Blinded by the Light” is a joyful story of courage, love, hope, family and the unique ability of music to lift the human spirit.

Chadha directed and produced the film, which was written by Manzoor, Chadha and Paul Mayeda Berges. The story is underscored by the music and poetic lyrics of Springsteen, who gave Chadha his blessing from the film’s inception.

Run Time: 117 min

REVIEWS

Javed’s life is transformed when he is introduced to the music of Bruce Springsteen. Soon after, a world of writing, love and optimism opens up for him.
Empire online ★★★★

Gurinder Chadha’s ode to Springsteen is utterly joyous
Independent ★★★★

https://www.nme.com/reviews/movie/blinded-by-the-light-film-review