Pirate Radio (2009) [Blu-ray]
Comedy | Drama | Music | Romance

From the creator of Love Actually and Notting Hill comes a trip back to the freewheeling, free-loving '60s when the very rock music that inspired a generation was censored by the government. When a group of rebellious deejays decides to defy the ban, they take to the seas to broadcast music and mayhem to millions of adoring fans. Featuring a soundtrack that includes The Who, The Kinks, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and many more, it's a feel-great film based on a true story that critics cheer is "exuberant!" (John Powers, Vogue)

User Comment: big_bea from Munich, Germany, 16 April 2009 • I have been wanting to see this movie since I saw the trailer for the very first time. Today I finally got the opportunity. The plot sounded interesting and I was hoping to see a comedy that wasn't as predictable and forced romantic as a lot of comedies are. I wasn't disappointed. Sure, this isn't the most profound story ever told, but I wanted to have fun, and this movie definitely gave it to me. Another bonus is the great soundtrack, which carries the whole movie. After leaving the cinema you will want to listen to the songs featured in this film, just so you can enjoy the feeling of it a little longer. This film is funny from the beginning to the end, and there were moments when I couldn't stop laughing. If you want to see a feel-good movie with a plot that was, at least as far as I know, not used before, than this is the right film for you.

Summary: the film that rocked.

User Comment: steinerelt from Zlin, Czech Republic, 8 August 2009 • Although the film received its fair share of criticism for its historical inaccuracies and feeble plot, in my view, the film does exactly what its authors set out to achieve and - not only in terms of the soundtrack - rock it really does.

If you're looking for an evening of pure escapist fun, feeling generally nostalgic and cool about the legacy of the 60s fashion and music, and would like to forget history for a while and go with the party mood, go see this film - you won't be let down and you'll get what you're looking for: an amazing soundtrack (although, as many didn't hesitate to point out, not entirely historically accurate), with the likes of The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, Dusty Springfield, The Hollies, Jimmy Hendrix, Buddy Holly, and many many more, with the charismatic Bill Nighy and a bunch of other not-quite-so-ordinary eccentric characters, more or less familiar to you, depending on how you enjoy British (and American) comedy (e.g. IT Crowd). Even if you don't know the actors, even if you're not into the music of the 60s, you've got pure feel-good fun thrown in to top it off for a great evening of the 60s Rock'n'Roll partying. And it's partying in the true 60s sense of the word.

On the other hand, if you're looking for profound plot development, historical accuracy and consistency, or a true story of a real pirate radio station Caroline that inspired the story, or, in fact, would like to see a true depiction of the life in the UK in 1966, do NOT go see this film, because you might leave disappointed.

It's as simple as that.

So, a definite recommendation for cinema viewing because of the necessary volume that the speakers allow you there to enjoy the music to the fullest (and, let me say one more time what music it is!), but stay out if you're not in a party mood.

I give it 8/10 for the feel-good, cool entertainment it brings and.... well, for the Rock'n'Roll.

Have fun!

Summary: In a 60s party mood - no more. but no less, either.

[CSW] -3.4- If you came of age in the mid 1960's, as I did, all of the songs will be familiar to you. I think you will probably develop more of an attachment and have a deeper appreciative for this movie if you know the music, even for those that only heard it as oldies-but-goodies. Even though I want a music lover I still found the movie to be quite entertaining. It was rated R for language, and some sexual content including brief nudity, not for any drug use as there wasn't any which did seemed a bit strange but actually enhanced the movie. The story was a little weak but this was more than made up for by the highly entertaining character performances and the wonderful soundtrack. Most people will find this film entertaining.
[V4.0-A4.5] MPEG-4 AVC - No D-Box.

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