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LUTON, United Kingdom — Gurinder Chadha’s “Blinded By The Light” is a joyful and lighthearted tribute to the music of Bruce Springsteen.
Read KSL.com’s full review to learn more about why the film is one of the year’s most feel-good cinema experiences so far.
There are some darker elements to the plot, though. A young man gets in heated arguments with his father, and racist bullies terrorize immigrants.
Here are a few things parents and viewers should know to expect before they head to theaters to see the movie.
Language
Profanity in this film is in line with most other movies with a PG-13 rating.
There are no severe, “R-rated” swears, and the use of PG-13-level profanities is fairly regular, but not constant. The movie takes place in England, and several common British swears are used from time to time.
It should also be noted that since the plot of “Blinded By The Light” involves a family of Pakistani immigrants, the movie includes antagonist characters using an ethnic slur several times.
Violence
There is a brief scene of moderate violence at a political rally.
Members of the anti-immigrant political party at the rally get in an altercation with some of the immigrant characters and there is a brief fight. A bloody nose is seen afterward, but there is otherwise no severe violence or blood in the movie.
Sexuality
Aside from teenagers kissing occasionally, there is little sexuality in this film. At one point, a character and his girlfriend kiss on the couch while his parents aren’t home.
Thematic material
As previously mentioned, immigration and anti-immigrant racism are prominent themes in “Blinded By The Light.”
In addition to the ethnic slur that is used by some characters multiple times to refer to Pakistani immigrants, the Pakistani characters are subjected to other racist behavior including, spitting, urinating and vulgar graffiti.
At one point, some kids urinate into the mail slot of a Pakistani man’s home.
One character is bullied by the anti-immigrant characters, which could be upsetting to viewers who have experienced bullying of any kind.
Another prominent theme is disagreements between parents and kids. One character is frequently at odds with his father and gets in occasional heated arguments with his dad.
Conclusion
“Blinded By The Light” has some heavier themes, but ultimately has a very positive message about working hard and following your dreams. It’s also a lighthearted celebration of music and a tribute to Bruce Springsteen. It should be suitable for most teenage viewers but, as always, it is up to parents to make that decision.
“Blinded By The Light" is rated PG-13 for thematic material and language including some ethnic slurs.










