One of the Greatest Movies You've Never Hear of: Nowhere Boy

Nowhere Boy (2009)

  98 min  (UK)

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. (from IMDB)

Director: Sam Taylor-Wood

Writers: Matt Greenhalgh (screenplay), Julia Baird (memoir)

Stars:Aaron Johnson, Kristin Scott Thomas and Anne-Marie Duff

In lieu of flowers and dinner this Valentine's Day, my husband and I spent a quiet evening at home and watched the biopic Nowhere Boy.  The film chronicles the life of a young John Lennon, starting around the age of 15 and ends around the time of his mother's tragic death in his college years. I cannot speak for the historical accuracy of the film, but I can attest to the great entertainment value of the movie. The acting is superb, especially by Aaron Johnson, who plays Lennon. He truly embodies the teen angst that Lennon must have felt, growing up raised by a strict aunt, and a mother who was absent from most of his life.

The film starts out with the death of Lennon's uncle.  His biological mother attends the services and after seeing her there, he attempts to reconnect with her.  However, since the age of 5, his mother's sister, Mimi, has raised him.  There is a constant struggle between the two sisters battle for Lennon's affection, as well as a constant struggle internally for Lennon, who wants desperately to be loved by his mother, but also doesn't want to betray the woman who raised him.

He turns to his love of music and begins a rock band, The Quarrymen, with his school friends. As the band becomes popular locally, Lennon is introduced to a young Paul McCartney, and the two become friends and begin playing together. But don't misunderstand, this is not a Beatles film. This movie is strictly about John Lennon and his early struggles with his mother, aunt, and his desperate need to be loved by someone. 

The movie starts with a death, and ends with a death, the tragic death of his mother, Julia.  It gives insight to the backstory that lead to such amazing songwriting.  It helps define John Lennon as an individual, outside of the fame of the Beatles. I truly enjoyed it and felt the film was strong as a whole. I had a few issues: I felt the relationship between Lennon and his mother was portrayed as a romance almost.  Don't get me wrong, there was no line crossed, but it seemed somewhat inappropriate.  The other issue I had was I felt that the film expected you to alrady have some background on John Lennon. People and places weren't always explained, and someone who has no background may be left scratching their heads. Also be aware that most of the characters speak with a heavy Liverpool accent, so if you don't have an ear for it, you may be left wondering what was said! Overall, it was a fantastic film!