Your Company
 

Northern Soul

✭ ✭ ✭   Read critic reviews

United Kingdom · 2014
Rated PG-13 · 1h 42m
Director Elaine Constantine
Starring Steve Coogan, Antonia Thomas, Ricky Tomlinson, James Lance
Genre Drama, Music

In 1970s England, the discovery of American soul music changed a generation. No longer satisfied with the prospect of small-town life and a factory production line, two young boys dream of going to America to discover rare records that will help them become the best DJs on the scene.

We hate to say it, but we can't find anywhere to view this film.

What are people saying?

What are critics saying?

60

Total Film by

Sporadically engrossing, its highlight is a brilliant recreation of an all-night dance-a-thon at that northern soul mecca, the legendary Wigan Casino.

80

CineVue by Adam Lowes

If Northern Soul loses its way a little as the duo's friendship starts to unravel, with Constantine working in some unwelcome and unnecessary melodrama, this is a minor blip in what is an otherwise joyous and air-punching affair.

83

The Playlist by Christopher Schobert

Constantine captures the invigorating joy of these songs, and humorously shows that it is nearly impossible to listen and not feel the urge to dance.

60

Variety by Dennis Harvey

If “Soul’s” script errs on the side of simplicity, it does effectively downplay the cliches inherent in its unambitious story arc. And the foregrounded local culture is always engaging, with meticulous but unshowy attention to period detail on all levels.

60

The Guardian by Mike McCahill

Every other scene showcases a northern treasure (Coogan, Thomson, Tomlinson, Stansfield) and looks, feels and – crucially – sounds true to its sweaty-hazy, slightly cramped corner of history.

50

The Hollywood Reporter by Stephen Dalton

Constantine’s skills as a first-time dramatist are a serious weakness here. Though the subject matter is rich and the soundtrack terrific, character and plot take a back seat.

60

Time Out London by Tom Huddleston

Give Northern Soul its due: this feisty, frequently amusing chronicle of one young man’s journey through the dancehalls of Lancashire nails its time and place.... A pity, then, that the story is so tiresomely familiar.

Users who liked this film also liked