'God knows what you've unleashed on the unsuspecting South'... and the world

Rating: 10/10 (10 March 2006)

Right from the off, 'A Hard Day's Night' is a classic subversion of early 1960s society - even its pseudo-documentary style cleverly pokes fun at the rise of cinema verité. A fictionalised look at a typical day in the life of the Beatles, poised on the verge of super-stardom, it's a fast-paced, exuberant, carefree tale of four apparent innocent, everyday working-class lads from Liverpool abroad in the big scary capital, complete with one of the finest double acts ever in the form of managers Shake and Norm, and Paul's 'mixer' grandfather, in tow. The film rarely passes without a moment that makes you smile - being chased by screaming girls through the streets, arguing with a fellow train passenger, taking the mick out of the press - 'What do you call that hairstyle?' 'Arthur.' - and dancing around in fields like loons to the strains of 'Can't Buy Me Love'. John's triumphant declaration 'We're out!' embodies the spirit of the movie - and indeed, the entire decade - in two simple words. It's a tribute to celebrating your uniqueness and living life your way, and I utterly defy you not to adore this film. If you've had a bad day, put this on and 84 minutes later you'll be smiling from ear to ear.