Each Monday, film fan and champion of the downtrodden Jordan Sims picks out an overlooked gem or unfairly maligned masterpiece – and gives them the spotlight they so dearly deserve.
This week, it’s the turn of Sam Taylor-Wood’s 2009 John Lennon teenage biopic Nowhere Boy. Here are five reasons why it’s an underrated classic.
Jef writes: “Nowhere Boy” is brought to us via Sony Home Entertainment, and features Aaron Johnson as the younger John Lennon. The film is a well defined chronological record of events covering the years leading up to the formation of the Beatles. Aaron is a surprisingly good John Lennon, bringing both emotion and happiness to a role that is very complicated. The film has little to do with the Beatles that we’re all accustomed to, but does show John as he discovers his passion for music and fame.
After being abandoned as a youth by his mother Julia, John lives with his Aunt Mimi and Uncle George. As a young man John reunites with his mother after seeing her at the funeral of his deceased uncle. She ends up teaching him about rock music, and introduces him to many of the artists that influenced his musical career.
CB - Unless you’re one of those that decided to leave the modern world in favor of a hermit’s life in the woods for the past 50 years, you’re at the very least aware of The Beatles. Regardless of whether you love or hate them, few bands have contributed more to the history of pop-culture than the four mop-top boys from Liverpool, England.
Nowhere Boy is a story of John Lennon’s childhood (as played by Kick-Ass star Aaron Johnson). The film premiered as the closing night film at the London Film Festival, and screened at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival to mixed to positive reviews. Nominated for 4 BAFTA Film Awards, including Best Supporting Actress, Outstanding British Film, Best Supporting Actress and Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer.
I still need to see this film. Heard some great praises for it, especially for the lead actor.