Blinded by the Light

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Blinded by the Light

PG-13

2019

1h 54m

Comedy

Drama

Music

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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sonali

Oct 27, 2019

Such a sweet movie with a lot of heart!!

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DD

Sep 25, 2019

Great story, great sound track!

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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.

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sheila w

Sep 18, 2019

Uplifting, happy story

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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

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Patricia C

Sep 18, 2019

GREAT ACTING AMAZING MUSIC HUMOROUS AND HEART-WRENCHING STORYLINE.

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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: Trailer 1

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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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