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Rating: 
Summary: The Soundtrack of 1984
Review: "Purple Rain" is a great film to commemorate Prince's career, which he stars and writes and performs the songs. Most people remember this film mostly for its catchy songs that changed music history forever. Its plot is also something worth remembering. Its combination of storylines within The Kid's life blends wonderfully: his struggle to stay employed in the Minneapolis club where he performs, falling in love with Apollonia, and confronting his demons of frequently witnessing his abusive father in action. Certain scenes give it edge and drama that keeps audiences interested and that accent the characters' surroungings. The emotional impact is always present, namely the fight scenes. Therefore, the film is more than just a long music video. Such film quality makes it worth watching multiple times. The actors offer their own emotional theme to the film. Though certain roles were not demanding, Prince's role as The Kid is his acting best of his career. The music featured in "Purple Rain" has since become instant classics. Though every Prince hit is genius, these songs remain his best in his career. Its soundtrack stayed at #1 for 24 weeks on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Charts, sold 11 million copies in the US, and spawned four smash hits. Prince earned two Grammys and an Oscar for his song "Purple Rain". These songs combine pop, R&B, funk, rock, and soul beautifully. They alone make the film worth watching; yet, they don't distract from the plot. There has since not been a music-based film like it, not even "8 Mile" (2002). "Purple Rain" is a great film for music and/or Prince fans for viewing pleasure. Those looking for more should also buy the soundtrack. Such combination gives fans great entertainment pleasure.
Rating: 
Summary: A classic film. A poor DVD.
Review: I don't think there's a Prince fan alive who hasn't seen this movie, so if you already have it on VHS save your money. There are no special features and it's formatted not letterboxed as it should be! The DVD's Prince bio cites his birth date as 1960. While all Prince fans know he was born in 1958. Now for those of you who haven't seen this movie: well now's your chance to see one of the greatest films ever made. Unlike so many rock stars' movie debuts Purple Rain has a very powerful story about a confussed and abused young man who faces alienation in the music world he wants to break into. Very emotional. But it also has Prince and the Revolution bringing the house down with their very original brand of music and flashy stage acts. Bottom line, if you Prince, you'll love this movie. If you don't like Prince you won't. PS Where is the 'Under the Cherry Moon' DVD already?
Rating:
Summary: The last 20 minutes are musical genius!
Review: I just recently bought Purple Rain on dvd. It is now my all-time favorite movie!! Prince is one of my favorite artists and I love the messages behind his music. I had the soundtrack way before I saw the movie. So it was more enjoyable to sing along with the songs. I am also going to see Prince in Atlanta on 8/10. I can't wait!! If his performances are anything like on PURPLE RAIN I can't wait. They are completely mesmerizing. I have to say though his music more than made up for his acting skills. Apollonia was delectable and Morris Day was funny and is quite talented himself. But the last 20 minutes after Morris Day performs the Bird is where the real magic happens. I finally understood the message behind the music. PURPLE RAIN was already one of my all-time fave songs, but after his father whot himself in the head, it made it that much more emotional. The guitar riff in that song is the heavens opening up! THere has never been a song more beautiful than PURPLE RAIN then he goes into another one of my faves I WOULD DIE 4 U its also a beautiful song with some of the best lyrics I have ever heard. Even if you're not a Prince fan, watch this movie. It is one of the most important musical movies ever!! You know Prince won an Oscar for the score, plus Grammys so you know it was good. I mean this movie is in a class all by itself just like Prince, in a class all by himself!!
Rating:
Summary: It's actually pretty good
Review: I've always been a fan of some of Prince's songs such as "1999," "Little Red Corvette," and "I Would Die 4 You." Of course, since I'm alive and especially since I live in the United States, I've always heard tons of people praise how great the Purple Rain Soundtrack is, but I don't remember anyone ever praising the movie. To make it short, I didn't know what to expect from "Purple Rain," (the movie), but since I did like some of Prince's music, I went ahead and watched it. I was expecting it to be full of concert clips and mainly to just be about Prince's music, but I was wrong. "Purple Rain" is about Prince's ups and downs, both with his music and his personal life. When you watch it, you'll see Prince struggle with his family, his girlfriend, and believe it or not, even with getting his music career started. If you're familiar with 80's music, then you'll also recognize Morris Day, who performs some of his hits such as "Jungle Love" and he poses as Prince's main adversary. Of course, the biggest standout with "Purple Rain" is the great music. You'll hear such familiar 80's pop sensations as "Purple Rain," "I Would Die 4 You," "When Doves Cry," "Let's Go Crazy," and others. However, "Purple Rain" is also entertaining with its other stories that have nothing to do with music or concerts. If you haven't ever saw "Purple Rain," I recommend giving it a try and possibly buying it. You just might go crazy for it.
Rating:
Summary: It's Not Just A Music Video
Review: Leonard Maltin's review missed the main point of this movie. The movie is not primarily about a young musician who "struggles to gain acceptance for his own brand of ... rock music". Instead, the movie is about a man who has acquired his not only some of his father's musical interest and talent, but also his father's emotional instability and occasional abusiveness towards others, especially women. Maltin is correct that Prince's character is sexist and unappealing, but that's crucial to the movie. By playing his character as emotionally unstable, insensitive, and occasionally cruel, Prince de-glamourizes the cool, rebellious rock star image, showing that fame and talent are neither a guaranteed road to happiness nor a good excuse for being cruel to your girlfriend. This movie, rather than being a "soppy story" wrapped around concert footage, is instead genuinely literary. The concert footage is not an excuse for a movie; some of the concert footage is integral to the story. The title song, "Purple Rain", is used very effectively in the movie as a point of conflict between Prince and two of his female bandmates. This movie, like Quadrophenia, would make a good subject for an English literature class targeted towards aimlessly rebellious under-achievers (rather than the 4.0 GPA high school students that most English literature classes are designed for). [This review is based on the VHS version of the movie.]
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