Alex Heaton (azanti0029) John Clark lives in the working class North West of the 1970s. Just as he is feeling disillusioned with school and falling out with his parents he is caught up in the new music vibe of Soul imported vinyl from America, soon him and his friend Matt are starting their own music night, swinging hip moves on the dance floor and embracing the new Northern Soul scene but drugs seem to play a major part of it all too, will that take over from the music? Having seen the trailer for this movie, I was quite excited. I grew up in the 1970s and remember everything about the era and was hoping this might be similar to Good Vibrations which covered the rise and fall of a record label of the same era.What I got was a realistic depiction of working class Northern England, with new music giving young people an outlet away from their dull lives which was great but then quickly became a story about drugs dominating the scene and their lives. Though I was a kid at the time my older friends who were on that scene never embraced the drug aspect of it which seemed to me far less dominant than as portrayed in the movie. The production design and depiction of the old school dance halls of the North are spot on and the acting all round by an energetic cast very worthy indeed with special mention going to newcomer Josh Whitehouse whom I am sure has a successful career ahead of him. Antonia Thomas is also very believable giving another effortless performance. Where the film disappointed was in the drugs subplot which almost anchored the whole film. It began to fell more a film about drugs, drug taking and the extreme characters within that world rather than a film about the period, the halls, the Soul and the music. This wouldn't be such a bad thing but certainly from the PR for the film I was not expecting the 1970s version of Human Traffic. The film also felt as if it needed more humour - but these gripes aside, this is still an extremely well made and well acted piece which I am sure will gain a cult following over time. If 1970s Northern Soul was your thing, then you really do need to check it out.

Fortful I like films, I particularly like British Films, I especially like British Films about British Culture. I Like and have for many years actively enjoyed Northern Soul.For the last decade or so I have had to rely on the likes of Shane Meadows to successfully weave story lines out of developed British working class characters against a backdrop of fashion, music, humour and drama. Before that; Quadraphenia had a visceral physical affect on my motivation for style, fashion, music & tribalism. The very next day it changed my behaviour, it was a youth culture catalyst that I have been grateful for ever since, it has subsequently provided me with happy reminisces. I am not sure that could ever happen again for todays Teens, too much to compete with, not to mention homogeneous western culture...hard to break away when 300Million Superdry'ers are all wearing the same labels!Anyway, Mr Kermode gives 'Northern Soul' the perfect review by comparing it to "Good Vibrations". I love that film, fascinating story, gritty setting, incredibly strong, charismatic and superbly acted central characters. Great film. Now I'm keen, I'm very keen, I heard enough, I've read enough, even the trailer looks promising. I'm feeling nostalgic and charitable all in one. I may even clap at the appropriate Duke Browner breaks irrespective of potential disapproving glances of my Superdry neighbours...I'll be in the moment!Well, I didn't clap to Duke Browner, or the Exsavyons. I didn't laugh inwards, or smile outwards. The main characters were recognisably mundane or unrecognisably over the top and the plot unfolded predictably. I will say though it is a very well produced film and it definitely had its 'ring-a-bell' moments. The Casino scenes were particularly authentic, but not enough of them for me.Should you buy a ticket (or DVD) or should you buy a Superdry jacket? Well, where 'Good Vibrations' would keep you warm for many years to come, do go and see Northern Soul but maybe take a jumper!

chrishancox714 I think we all thought that this would be the film that was better than 'Soul Boy', and it is - but only just. Great beginning, which sets the scene, and shows how Northern Soul became infectious. However it focuses too much on drugs and violence. Perhaps that was the experience of Casino regulars, but the enduring aspects of the scene is a sort of unwritten code which makes violence a big 'no no', and lots of enjoyment of music and amongst NS followers, who recognize one-another as kindred spirits. Even in the 1970s the done thing was to shake hands and give your mates a hug, while a few miles away at a pub disco they brawled on the car park. The film didn't develop the cultural difference that the start of the film began to describe. Pity. Keep the faith.

iamchrisallan So I saw Northern Soul the film tonight for the 2nd time. The first time I saw it was at the premier and it wasn't in a proper cinema and the sound was so bad that you couldn't pick out the dialogue.I am so glad I went back. I realise that I am biased but it's a bloody good film. I happen to have been lucky enough to be an extra in the dance scenes and have waited 2 years to see this film make it to the big screen. Many times along the way I thought it would never come.Elaine Constantine, the director, captures 2 things really well: the 70s and the passion for northern soul.She paints a great picture of growing up working class in the 70s and doesn't give in to the more comedic ideas of 70s fashion. This is all very real and there's not one Chopper or Space Hopper in sight.The film is dark and gritty but the soundtrack is amazing and her dancers are spot on. Elaine's experience as a photographer is very evident throughout as is her passion for the subject matter.She brilliantly captures the look on a dancer's face when they are lost in the music, when it's just you, the music and the dance floor.There are several cameos in the film and all are played down and the young leads really shine. All the cast do a superb job. I love the fact that James Lance is a great soul dancer and he picked up the moves to better understand his role but you never see him dance in the film. You can feel that love, that dedication throughout from all involved. This was a labour of love and it worked.Although the film sinks into a very dark place she really lifts it with the final scenes.A great British picture and I was proud to be allowed to be part of it.