Certificate – 15
Directed By – Sam Taylor-Johnson
Starring – Marisa Abela, Jack O’Connell, Eddie Marsan, Lesley Manville, Sam Buchanan
Running Time – 122 Minutes (2 Hours 2 Minutes)
I was never the biggest Amy Winehouse fan, she was obviously massively talented, but I never understood why this film was needed as there’s a critically acclaimed 2015 documentary. My thoughts going in were if her legacy is of one of a talent tragically lost too soon or if she now lives in immortality.
The film follows Amy’s (Abela) journey living in London and intense rise to fame as her tumultuous relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil (O’Connell) inspires Winehouse to write and record the groundbreaking album “Back to Black.”
I found myself being pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this movie. It was a solid British film with a brilliant cast and direction by Taylor-Johnson.
It does answer my question, highlighting that this ‘Back to Black’ chapter of her life should’ve been just that — a chapter, not the whole story. The film does a beautiful job of showcasing that what would’ve come next would have been even more special for music and Amy herself.
However, more importantly, it was two love stories. The first, in many ways, is between a nan and granddaughter, as you can see the influence Cynthia (Manville) had on Amy’s style and music. Then there’s the true love story that created the iconic album about Blake. You can see in her eyes that it was a Disney story — she found her prince — but in reality, it was poisonous for everyone.
That’s what I liked most about the story. It didn’t shy away from showing the darkness Amy had in her and how drinking would turn her into a different person.
All of this is wonderfully acted by Abela, who puts in a star-making performance that wouldn’t have been easy for any actresses as she documented her life. From her distinctive cockney accent to her powerful singing, it never comes off as an impression more of delivering the spirit as her body changes throughout the film.
Manville, as always, is brilliant. You can see and feel the tight, bonded relationship Cynthia had with her granddaughter, who was her guiding light.
Meanwhile, the film comes to life the moment O’Connell comes onto screen. You can see why Amy had a love-at-first-sight moment for Blake. He’s incredibly charismatic, and this sort of role comes easy to the Irish actor, not because of his role in Skins, but because he is so likeable.
Finally, whenever Marsan is onscreen as Mitch, he comes across as a dad who wants to protect and do what’s right for his daughter.
Does This Have Bonus Features?
Yes. The featurettes are short, but packed with info, and as someone who loves these special features and loves the industry, you can always learn from watching these.
The only downside was there were no deleted scenes.
Verdict
It far exceeded my expectations, and I found myself enjoying it. Abela is wonderful as Amy, and if you can go into it as clear-headed as possible, you might enjoy it too.
The Bear Cave 