A clever reminder of just how powerful this music was

Rating: 9/10 (28 October 2019)

It's difficult to guess how this movie will be understood by those who weren't alive when these songs were released, but for me and people my age, each song lovingly rendered here evokes a wave of emotion. I really hadn't realized how devoid of joy my youth might have been without the Beatles, but after watching this, it's hard to deny.
These are great songs but there's still a lot of mystery as to why they were so effective. Perhaps one day we will have an explanation but for now it's quite moving to relive their first hearing like this.
It's hard to imagine someone other than Himesh Patel as the lead here mostly because his voice is so perfect for the Beatles songbook and his personality shines through, but I imagine some will have a problem with someone of apparent Indian descent being the musical hero. Most will quickly be won over aided by his singing and by Lily James' glowing performance.
All in all a near miraculous movie for which Danny Boyle deserves much praise.