Swing (1999)

User Rating:

6.1/10   

Director:

Nick Mead

Writers:

Su Lim (story)
Nick Mead (screenplay)

Release Date:

7 May 1999 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy | Music | Romance

Tagline:

Getting this dream off the ground takes some pretty fancy footwork!

Plot:

An optimistic guy is arrested and thrown in jail, while there he learns the saxophone from a fellow inmate...

Plot Keywords:

Saxophone | Jazz Music | Arrest | Prison | Jazz Band

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Hugo Speer	...	Martin 'Marty' Luxford
Lisa Stansfield	...	Joan Woodcock
Paul Usher	...	Liam Luxford
Tom Bell	...	Sid Luxford
Rita Tushingham	...	Mags Luxford
Danny McCall	...	Andy
Alexei Sayle	...	Mighty Mac
Clarence Clemons	...	Jack
Scot Williams	...	Buddy
James Hicks	...	Oi
Nerys Hughes	...	Maria
Tom Georgeson	...	Uncle Matty
Jimmy Nail	...	Arthur
Gavin Watson	...	Orangeman / Piano
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Jon Huyton	...	Assistant Hotel Manager
Dermot Keaney	...	Arnold
Eddie Webber	...	Cockney Wanker #1

MPAA:

Rated R for language.

Runtime:

Netherlands:97 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Certification:

Iceland:12 | UK:15 | USA:R

Company:

Kushner-Locke Company, The

Quotes:

Jack: Playing the sax is like telling the truth. You never have to tell the same lie twice - if you tell the truth.

Soundtrack:

Baby, I Need Your Loving

A Perfect Score

I recently purchased this movie on video, sight unseen, and was pleasantly surprised. It's not often I consider a movie worth 10 out of 10, but "Swing" deserves a perfect score - because it has "a perfect score". This musical movie is a gem (in my view), because it's got a good story, fine acting, and all the other aspects which go to make a movie worthy (cinematography, editing, etc.) The only other recent movie which I consider in the "little gem" category, is the rather obscure USA "Mumford"(1999); "Swing" can be considered the British equivalent, in that regard. "Swing" is about a young chap, Martin Luxford (Hugo Speer), just released from prison, who, with saxophone, is determined to form his own 'swing' jazz band. The movie tells how he goes about this, the troubles he encounters, and his relationship with his "one true love", Joan (Lisa Stansfield), who aspires to be a singer. He offers her that opportunity, even though she has married - to a psychotic cop. But he needs other band members, and gradually acquires them: a double-bass player, and a drummer. Throughout the film, he remembers the advice of his mentor, a black musician, Jack (Clarence Clemons), who is still in prison. This movie is basically a comedy, but has dramatic moments. Music is the key factor, and popular tunes occur throughout, as the band grows and practices. Mighty Mac (Alexei Sayle) and his boys form the brass section - seconded from Orangemen marching bands. Indeed, Catholic-Protestant rivalry is a theme, but is trivialised, as all concerned devote themselves to the much higher ideal of - music, and dance. So, for a most enjoyable experience, I recommend watching "Swing". PS. For New Orleans' jazz, try the movie "Undercover Blues"! ========================================================