Purple Rain

1984 Drama

Purple Rain, the first starring film for Prince, is the story of an arrogant, young black singer, born and raised in Minneapolis, who reaches the pinnacle of stardom. The dramatic complications include "The Kid's" (Prince) miserable home life, where he suffers the brutalities of his father (well played by Clarence Williams III) and the youth's efforts to win the love of the beautiful Apollonia. Despite the misogynistic undercurrents in Purple Rain, the film's biggest fans were young women. Gorgeously photographed by Donald Thorin, Purple Rain is essentially a glorified music video, highlighted by a catalogue of Prince's hits, including I Would Die 4 U, When Doves Cry and Let's Go Crazy; the score deservedly won an Academy Award and a Grammy.

Director: Albert Magnoli

Starring: Prince, Apollonia Kotero, Morris Day, Olga Karlatos, Clarence Williams III

 14 Reviews  8 Awards

Reviews

  • Playing a character rooted in his own background, and surrounded by the real-life members of his Minneapolis-based musical 'family,' rock star Prince makes an impressive feature film debut in Purple Rain, a rousing contemporary addition to the classic backstage musical genre.

    - Variety

    27 April 2013

  • Fresh music and silly dialogue - those aspects of Purple Rain haven't changed over the years.

    Mick LaSalle - The San Francisco Chronicle

    27 April 2013

  • However, like many album covers, Purple Rain, though sometimes arresting to look at, is a cardboard come-on to the record it contains.

    Vincent Canby - The New York Times

    27 April 2013

  • The pop-music star Prince makes his movie debut in this bizarre drama about a rock singer with a troubled career and a miserable home life.

    David Sterritt - Christian Science Monitor

    27 April 2013

  • If you like Prince's music, you'll love this movie. If not, stay away.

    - TV Guide

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Music, Original Song Score

    Academy Awards (1985)

  • Best Music

    Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (1985)

     

  • Best Soundtrack

    Brit Awards (1985)

  • Best Original Song - Motion Picture

    Golden Globes (1985)

     

  • Best Album of Instrumental Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special

    Grammy Awards (1985)

Lists

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