''Blinded By The Light'' Analysis

Blinded by the Light is a 2019 British-American musical drama directed by Gurinder Chadha and based on the 2007 memoir of the same name by journalist Sarfraz Manzoor. The film retells the true story of Javed Khan (played by Viveik Kalra), a British Pakistani teenager with a love for writing in every form growing up in Luton, England in 1987. His love for poem writing is encouraged by his English teacher Ms Clay (played by Hayley Atwell). He befriends a free-spirited classmate named Roops (played by Aaron Phagura) and discovers the music of Bruce Springsteen, which gives him a new perspective on life and helps him to find his voice in a difficult personal and cultural landscape. Blinded by the Light is a touching and uplifting story that celebrates the power of music and the strength of friendship.

It paints a portrait of the immigrant experience in Britain and the struggles of fitting in while navigating the complex world of Britain and it's cultural identity in 1987. The film is filled with humour, heart, and joy, ultimately reminding us that no matter where we come from, music can touch us in unique and powerful ways. As Javed's perception of the world begins to change, he must navigate his own path in life, deciding which traditions to keep and which to challenge. The film follows his journey of self-discovery as he learns to embrace the power of his own voice. It also chronicles Javed's struggles with his identity and his relationships with his family, exploring how different cultures can sometimes come into conflict. His story of self-discovery is ultimately one of hope and understanding, showing that even in the most trying times, we can always find our own light to guide us. It is ultimately a story of hope, and how even in the darkest of times, music can be a beacon of light pointing the way towards a better future. It reminds us that no matter what our background is, we can all find our place in the world if we have the passion and courage to follow our dreams. The film engages with a plethora of conventions in a unique way, from it's coming-of-age story to a romance to an exploration of cultural identity. Though it has its fair share of inconsistencies and illogical parts, it is an engaging and heartfelt movie. ''Blinded By The Light'' successfully combines original elements with an engaging use of conventions and deftly avoids any glaring inconsistencies, making it an easily understandable -but enjoyable- film for viewers of all ages. The engaging use of these conventions, such as the well-crafted and relatable characters, witty, ''of the time'' dialogue, and spot-on soundtrack, help to birth this unique and captivating viewing experience. However there are some stumps and illogical parts that detract from its overall impact, such as the musical elements. Many audiences detract away from the musical genre of media so it can be quite confusing at times. It also features some clever twists on the familiar coming-of-age story. While there are moments where the pacing seems off and some characters’ motivations unclear, the film is a heart-warming and entertaining experience. It's a brilliant film with many original elements and twists, conventions, bringing along a few inconsistencies and illogical plot points. It is a beautiful story that will leave audiences moved and inspired.

Gurinder Chadha was born in Nairobi, Kenya, then a British colony. Her family was part of the Indian diaspora in East Africa. Her father and mother were both born in Kenya, and remained there until the political turbulence leading up to independence prompted the family to consider relocating. Her family held "united citizenship" under the British Nationality Act 1948 which granted them full rights of entry and settlement in Britain. Her father moved first and was joined by the family the following year in Southall, West London. Contemporary politics came to the fore once again at the Berlin Film Festival. This time it concerned “Viceroy’s House,” Her period piece about turbulent events at the time that India separated from the British Empire. While the end of end of empire is clearly the biggest era of that time, Chadha chose not only to set the film in a microcosm – the ridiculously opulent palace inhabited by the Viceroy of India and 500 servants – she also pitched it as a personal project. Chadha was forced to bare the words of hostile locals, telling her to go home. “But my homeland was now in Pakistan,” she said. She refused to call it anything other than “pre-partition India,” until a research trip took her to the Punjab and her family’s ancestral home, where five refugee families had taken up residence. Her films seem to be the voice for her problems with politics, most heavily portrayed in ''Viceroy's House'' but also highlighted in ''Blinded By The Light'' - with the inclusion of ''NF Scum'' and the skinheads that show up towards the later half of the movie. However she has had controversies, yet again with ''Viceroy's House.'' The meaning behind the film has been taken out of context or has been given a negative meaning. One reviewer wrongfully misrepresented the film of reconciliation as anti-Muslim or anti-Pakistan. As other reviews including the same misrepresentation rose, Gurinder took the time to talk about this, stating: ''My film does not ignore the freedom struggle – it celebrates that struggle. (“The British empire brought to its knees by a man in a loincloth,” as Lady Mountbatten comments.) It does not ignore the colonial policy of divide and rule, but challenges it. (As Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru comments to Lord Mountbatten: “You have divided us and now you ask us for a solution.”) Above all, it does not show the Muslim community as sole perpetrators of violence.''

The sets, costumes and hair/make-up are what really enriches the viewing experience for me. The fact they were able to make 2019 Luton look like it did in the 80's is simply incredible. From how the environment looked (e.g. The college, the council estate, the roads) to the way props/labels were perfectly recreated to the models of cars they used to closely resemble 80's model cars. They recreated the 80's feel perfectly. The clothes perfectly do this as well. The use of vibrant coloured coats, to Walkman radios, leather jackets and denim clothing - it allows teens (like me) to experience what fashion was like 40 years ago, and how different clothes could depict different groups or lifestyles. The hair/make-up heavily reminds me of what David Bowie was doing in the 80's, and its no wonder it does this because Bowie was the newest trending thing in the 80's. I see Bowie through Javed's best friends' dad. There's so much more I could talk about since everything is perfect to me.

In my opinion I don't think any of the actors stand out for bad reason, each actor is equally as good as the other. I feel that the actors were appropriately cast for their roles, they all knew how to use tone and themselves to convey emotion. They all stood out together without ''stealing spotlights.'' I don't think stealing spotlights shouldn't even be mentioned because as the movie progresses it turns into everyone's story, not just Javed's. You start to get fixated on Javed's family, his girlfriend and Roops as well as the friendship with his bestfriend coming down and then being rebuilt due to the hilarious circumstance of Javed getting a girlfriend. Everyone gets their chance to be recognised in this film and it works perfectly.

''Blinded by the Light'' was inspired by the life of journalist Sarfraz Manzoor and his love of the works of Bruce Springsteen. Sarfraz went on to say ''If this story sounds familiar it might be because it isn't only my life — it is also the plot of the feature film Blinded by the Light, which was released last year. The film was fiction grounded in fact, emotionally autobiographical if not always literally true.'' The film, in the later parts, shows the harsh realities that most British Pakistani families went through, from the heavy racism they faced to the riots that skinheads and racist nobs went to based on them due to their nationality and the fact that they came to England, which at the time was a predominantly white country. The film helps us see that humanity and shame has been rebuilt little by little, with racism towards ethnic groups being much more tame than it was 40 years ago. This doesn't mean that racism has been abolished permanently, as it still manages to be a common problem in todays society. This film can help to inspire ethnic groups in the UK to stand up for themselves and contribute to the muting of racism not only in the country, but the world as a whole.

"Blinded by the Light" is a film that will resonate and stay with audiences regardless of age and background. The film is a celebration of the power of music and ethnicity, and helps to bring people together and help them find their place in the world. It's also a powerful and emotional story about the struggles of growing up and finding your place in the world. "Blinded By The Light" is a feel-good film that is sure to leave audiences with a sense of hope and inspiration. Overall, I believe the film can be enjoyed by enjoyed by anyone, old or young and the impact of the message made by the movie can be understood by everyone.