Review of Quadrophenia (1979) by Jason J — 12 Aug 2010

Brilliant movie about a young man Jimmy Cooper who's a Mod (short for Modernist) and the film tells the tale of his life growing up under difficult circumstances - his family are working class, his wannabe girlfriend is an easy lay, his job is dead end and the only real thing thats keeps him going is his love for mates, his music, his scooter and his drug taking! One weekend brings Jimmy and his friends for a big meet-up with other Mods at Brighton but the Mods' hated enemies The Rockers are also in the same town and Brighton ain't big enough for 2 gangs. A massive street riot ensues and Jimmy is arrested for his part in the ruckus. His life soon starts to spiral down after he's released.

This tale of teenage angst is not for everybody. But for anyone who has experienced feeling lost and helpless, not really knowing where to go or what to do with your life, this is for you. Superb acting, storyline and direction with a soundtrack to die for. The period is captured vividly by director Franc Roddam, the stark threat of violence mixed in with the best music the 60s had to offer, serves to let the viewer feel they were there at the time, and the result is a perfect period piece. The story follows Jimmy (a tremendous performance by Phil Daniels) on a voyage of discovery that is funny at times, yet also very sadly tragic, and for anyone who was once a teenager searching for identity and purpose then this movie will really hit the right spot for you. Highly recommended.