The Synopsis:
In 1987, during the austere days of Margaret Thatcher’s Britain, a teenager learns to live life, understand his family and find his own voice through the music of Bruce Springsteen.
The Review:
Blinded by the Light is the story of Javed, a first-generation British teen of Pakistani descent, who fits in neither in his country, his home or in his own head. He lacks motivation and drive because his dreams seem unobtainable until he finds someone to speak for him, The Boss. After hearing the music of Bruce Springsteen, Javed for the first time feels he has a voice and knows what he wants. Unfortunately, his family is down on their luck and needs his help. His dreams are there; all he has to do is reach out and take them, but is he willing to pay the price?
Depending on your age, Blinded by the Light will help you discover, or rediscover, the power of The Boss’s music. The film has the ability to both make you laugh and think about family, love and your dreams. Somehow it finds a way to speak to everyone and inspires those who may feel like they are failing.
Overall, Blinded by the Light highlights the struggle between following your dreams and doing right by your family. This problem is compounded when the family comes from a collectivist culture, but it shows the power that positive motivators can have on your life and happiness. On the downside, parents need to watch out for profanity, racial and political slander and a few minor sexual scenes, but Javed’s religious background and personal musical pursuits open the door for important family conversation.
