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Quadrophenia [Blu-ray] [Criterion Collection]

1 disc
Region 1 USA/CA (info)

After essentially inventing the rock opera format, The Who followed the cult favorite TOMMY and numerous aborted rock-opera projects with the album QUADROPHENIA. This film version, directed by Franc Roddam, illuminated the feelings of disillusionment and confusion evident in songs such as "Love Reign O'er Me," "Dr. Jimmy," "The Real Me," and "Bellboy."

The film follows the bitter battle between the Mods and the Rockers, two rival biker gangs. The story is seen through the eyes of Jimmy Cooper (Phil Daniels), an angry young man whose hatred of authority and mediocrity is matched only by his passion for rhythm and blues music. When the Mods and Rockers both arrive in Brighton on holiday a riot breaks out, landing Jimmy in prison with Ace (Sting in his acting debut), the idolized leader of the Mods. Jimmy returns to London where his parents kick him out and he loses his job. He then discovers Ace is working as a bootlicking bellboy, leaving Jimmy confused and enraged. He hijacks a scooter and rides to the cliff tops that act as a highly symbolic backdrop for the film's bleak conclusion.
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Credits

Phil Daniels,Gordon Sumner,Mark Wingett,Philip Davis,Ray Winstone,Leslie Ash,Garry Cooper,Toyah Wilcox,Kate Williams
Critic Reviews

"...An authentic piece of nostalgia....With a fine soundtrack by The Who which plays a strong integral part in the storytelling..."
Variety
"...Gritty and ragged and sometimes quite beautiful..."
New York Times
"...[The film] retains its reeling us-versus-them urgency..."
Entertainment Weekly
"...This energetically bleak era-definer deserves another peek..."
Total Film
"Brilliant '89 adaptation of Pete Townshend's homage to mid-''60s mod culture..."
Mojo
"Roddam translates the Who's rock opera into a vivid recreation of mid-1960s mod culture, preserving the clothes, music and Vespa scooters..."
Sight and Sound