GRADE: 7
A chronicle of John Lennon’s first years, focused mainly in his adolescence and his relationship with his stern aunt Mimi, who raised him, and his absentee mother Julia, who re-entered his life at a crucial moment in his young life.
Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson
Country of Origin: UK | Canada
THOUGHTS:
It’s a good, solid drama, if not an exceptional one. But if you’re a Beatle fan, the very familiar story it brings to life and provides insightful visuals for is genuinely priceless. Seeing The Beatles as basically children, and being able to observe the early relational dynamics is revelatory. It also makes vivid just how much pain and suffering he endured John Lennon in his most formative years: before the fame and success, his life was essentially a tragedy.