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Blinded by the Light

Play trailer 2:23 Poster for Blinded by the Light PG-13 2019 1h 54m Comedy Drama Music Play Trailer Watchlist
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89% Tomatometer 263 Reviews 91% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Verified Ratings
Javed is a Pakistani teenager who experiences racial and economic turmoil while living in Luton, England, in 1987. He writes poetry as a way to escape the intolerance of his hometown and the stubborn views of his traditional father. When a classmate introduces him to the music of Bruce Springsteen, Javed sees parallels between the singer's powerful lyrics and his own working-class environment. Springsteen's melodies soon inspire Javed to find his own voice and follow his dreams.
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Blinded by the Light

Blinded by the Light

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Critics Consensus

Like a life-affirming rock anthem, Blinded by the Light hits familiar chords with confidence and flair, building to a conclusion that leaves audiences cheering for an encore.

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Critics Reviews

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Cody Corrall Chicago Reader Feb 15, 2020
Most of the film's emotional weight is undermined by cheesy sing-alongs with the lyrics visualized in such a garish way that the supposed thematic significance bashes the audience in the head. Go to Full Review David Stratton The Australian Oct 25, 2019
4/5
The film feels authentic in its depiction both of Javed's family but also the changes that took place after what seems to have been akin to a religious conversion. Go to Full Review Sandra Hall Sydney Morning Herald Oct 24, 2019
3.5/5
The deliberately amateurish style of the musical numbers is supposed to engender spontaneity but too often looks merely cack-handed. Nonetheless, you come out on a high. Springsteen fever proves to be contagious. Go to Full Review Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen The Saturday Paper Sep 3, 2026
Its corniness may grate and its too-neat conclusion feels simplistic – but it is a story that joyfully celebrates both the healing power of music and the beautiful complication of family and identity. Go to Full Review Lexi Amoriello Movie Recs by Lex Jul 10, 2026
The movie proudly beams with exuberance. It almost dares you to sit through it without cracking a smile. It’s the epitome of a feel-good movie, but only marginally avoids becoming saccharine. Go to Full Review Calum Cooper Source (Scotland) Jul 14, 2024
Blinded by the Light dazzles as brightly as its title suggests. Eloquently written and vivaciously crafted, its sentiment and charm combines with its splendid and relatable characters to create a musical euphoria that’s hard not to succumb to. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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sonali Oct 27, 2019 Such a sweet movie with a lot of heart!! See more DD Sep 25, 2019 Great story, great sound track! See more Nathalie Sep 18, 2019 I loved how accurate it looked as far as representing the era of the 80s. However, it also felt as if it had been filmed in the 80s too. Some scenes went way too long and it was quite cheesy at times. The acting was good. See more sheila w Sep 18, 2019 Uplifting, happy story See more Noreen R Sep 18, 2019 Feel good movie! As an avid Springsteen fan this fulfilled my fix of Springsteen music but it was so much more. A coming of age, a poignant telling of the racism faced by the son of immigrants looking for a better life for their family and touched with plenty of humor and a few tears. My feel good movie of the year See more Patricia C Sep 18, 2019 GREAT ACTING AMAZING MUSIC HUMOROUS AND HEART-WRENCHING STORYLINE. See more Read all reviews
Blinded by the Light

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Cast & Crew

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Gurinder Chadha

Director

Viveik Kalra

Javed

Hayley Atwell

Ms. Clay

Rob Brydon

Matt's Dad

Kulvinder Ghir

Malik (Father)

Nell Williams

Eliza

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Blinded by the Light

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Blinded by the Light

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Movie Info

Synopsis Javed is a Pakistani teenager who experiences racial and economic turmoil while living in Luton, England, in 1987. He writes poetry as a way to escape the intolerance of his hometown and the stubborn views of his traditional father. When a classmate introduces him to the music of Bruce Springsteen, Javed sees parallels between the singer's powerful lyrics and his own working-class environment. Springsteen's melodies soon inspire Javed to find his own voice and follow his dreams.
Director
Gurinder Chadha
Producer
Gurinder Chadha, Jane Barclay, Jamal Daniel
Screenwriter
Sarfraz Manzoor, Gurinder Chadha, Paul Mayeda Berges
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co
Warner Bros. Pictures, Bend It Films, Levantine Films
Rating
PG-13 (Some Ethnic Slurs|Language|Thematic Material)
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 16, 2019, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 27, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA)
$11.9M
Runtime
1h 54m
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