Purple Rain (1984) ***1/2

I didn't grow up with Albert Magnoli's Purple Rain (1984). I only saw it for the first time in 2016 for a special theatrical screening after Prince died. I also can't claim to be a huge fan of The Artist—not because I don't like his music a lot, just because I don't know much outside the hits and a few scattered songs (and his discography is extensive). Today marks the 40th anniversary of the classic PR soundtrack/studio album and the film was also released on 4K UHD. And my, does it look nice—Donald E. Thorin's cinematography really shines on the format.

As a film, the semi autobiographical Purple Rain has a lot of flaws—it's clunky, it's cheesy, and the acting isn't the best. The theme of domestic abuse crops up a lot—The Kid's home life is pretty dour and it's on one hand sad and on one hand perversely touching to see his mother and Apollonia stick by these abusive men. Because let's face it, The Kid is a major jerk in this film—taking out his aggressions on his girl and his band. I'm not really sure that he does anything to redeem himself either, outside of finally letting the girls in his band play their song. 

Additionally, there aren't really any resolutions to the struggles that the characters go through—Apollonia (confoundingly) continues to give The Kid more chances and he never truly proves that he's going to do right by her, not to mention that she never gets to accomplish her dreams! But the music/stage performances are, of course, outstanding, Prince and Apollonia are Sexy MFs, and it's a film that has the power to move.