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Backbeat (1994) Reviews

Backbeat (1994)
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The Beatles' early days as a struggling bar band are depicted in this fact-based drama, which tells the little-known story of original member Stuart Sutcliffe (Stephen Dorff). A close friend of John Lennon, Sutcliffe acts as the band's original bassist, accompanying them on their early gigs in Liverpool and Hamburg, Germany. The friendship becomes strained, however, when Sutcliffe falls in love with a German art student and starts to question his commitment to the band. With Sutcliffe's story taking center stage, the stories of the more famous Beatles largely fade into the background. The exception is John Lennon, thanks to a fierce performance by Ian Hart, who had previously portrayed the musician in the more intimate and provocative The Hours and the Times. While Backbeat does provide a new perspective on the band's beginning, and numerous opportunities for a group of modern rock musicians to recreate the band's energetic early performances, it never makes Sutcliffe's story seem more than a footnote to musical history. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

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Starring:
Sheryl Lee, Stephen Dorff, (more)
Director(s):
Iain Softley
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(10 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Shannon B.

I saw this movie in the Theater. It is a must see for any Beatles Fan who thinks they know everything there is to know about the Beatles. This movie is dedicated to a time in the Beatles history where there is really not enough information in the standard books and Biographies, The Stu Sutcliffe Era. I believe there is no orginal Beatles music in the film because the director could not get rights release from Yoko and Michael. This does not dominish the power of this film, it only firms my love for the older more rock-a-billy style of the Beatles that is little known. I hope everyone enjoy's this film it is wonderful.

Yes   |   No


Chris T.

A good telling of the early struggles of The Beatles in Hamburg and Liverpool as tough boys, before they became the mop-topped Fab Four. The prime element of the story is Lennon's relationship with friend Stu Sutcliffe, and how - regardless of the friendship - John was driven to get his band on top. The actors are spot-on in portraying the personalities of the guys - or what the public perception of each one was.

Yes   |   No


Archer J.

This movie captured the energy of the unheralded Beatles on their first time out of Britain as a bar band in Hamburg's red light district in the early 60's. It focuses mostly on the forgotten 5th member, Stuart Sutcliffe and his romance with German Photographer, Astrid Kiirchherr. While there is no actual Beatle's music at this period in their careers they were strictly a cover band. These are many of the same songs my first R&R band played in covering Little Richard, Larry Williams, Elvis, the Isley Brothers etc.

Yes   |   No


Julio C P.

This movie was great. The only thing that I might say negatively is that they should have had less of the Beatles music and more into the life of Stu Sutcliffe. What a tragedy but told pretty well. A must for Beatles fans who know or don't know about one of the fifth Beatles.

Yes   |   No


Mark K.

If anyone would like to get an idea what the Beatles were like before Beatlemania - this is a must see. Great casting as well.

Yes   |   No


Sandra S.

Enjoy the history of an iconic group. A group of kids and their path to fame. Interesting and worth the watch. Thumbs up for the knowledge.

Yes   |   No


Arianna S.

This film was better than I expected. It mostly followed the actual history of the Beatles early days and portrayed them well, especially John, with his acerbic wit and quick tongue. The acting was fairly good all around.

Yes   |   No


Danny and Lana N.

Good if you are a Beatles fan. Decent drama about the fifth beatle.

Yes   |   No


Kent F.

Despite some glaring (and unforgivable) historical errors, this is the best Beatles biopic thus far.

Yes   |   No


Nancy D.

I was so BORED. This is mostly about Stuart Sutcliffe and this story could have been told in 1/2 story, tops.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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Member Reviews
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Shannon B.

I saw this movie in the Theater. It is a must see for any Beatles Fan who thinks they know everything there is to know about the Beatles. This movie is dedicated to a time in the Beatles history where there is really not enough information in the standard books and Biographies, The Stu Sutcliffe Era. I believe there is no orginal Beatles music in the film because the director could not get rights release from Yoko and Michael. This does not dominish the power of this film, it only firms my love for the older more rock-a-billy style of the Beatles that is little known. I hope everyone enjoy's this film it is wonderful.

Yes   |   No

 
Chris T.

A good telling of the early struggles of The Beatles in Hamburg and Liverpool as tough boys, before they became the mop-topped Fab Four. The prime element of the story is Lennon's relationship with friend Stu Sutcliffe, and how - regardless of the friendship - John was driven to get his band on top. The actors are spot-on in portraying the personalities of the guys - or what the public perception of each one was.

Yes   |   No

 
Archer J.

This movie captured the energy of the unheralded Beatles on their first time out of Britain as a bar band in Hamburg's red light district in the early 60's. It focuses mostly on the forgotten 5th member, Stuart Sutcliffe and his romance with German Photographer, Astrid Kiirchherr. While there is no actual Beatle's music at this period in their careers they were strictly a cover band. These are many of the same songs my first R&R band played in covering Little Richard, Larry Williams, Elvis, the Isley Brothers etc.

Yes   |   No

 
Read All 10 Reviews
 

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