I was surprised to see the band's origins. They come off as spoiled elitists who coasted through life, handed everything, and only working on their tans and chasing equally elitist women. There's no sign of any pain in their lives, certainly not from poverty, and surprisingly, not from romance.
Soul? No one seriously thought this band was Soul. They didn't deserve any mention in the same category as Aretha, or Otis. There were literally hundreds of far better Black American singers who actually sang Soul. Every Black church choir had better voices.
They were Sinatra wannabes, from the clothes to the music. But their singer lacked Old Blue Eyes range, emotion, or connection with the audience. In the US they were one hit wonders. The only time Americans ever heard of them again was as part of Band Aid. When they broke up in 1990, it didn't even make the US music news.
The two Kemp brothers do deserve credit for the quite good The Krays film. Other than that, their lives and music and this documentary are all shallow and quickly forgotten.
Soul Boys of the Western World
2014
Action / Biography / Documentary / Music
Soul Boys of the Western World
2014
Action / Biography / Documentary / Music
Plot summary
Set against the backdrop of the 1980s music scene, this documentary charts the meteoric rise, fall and ultimate reunion of pop sensation Spandau Ballett, told by the band members themselves with unseen archive footage that will thrill the many fans and beyond.
Uploaded by: OTTO
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLUMovie Reviews
As Shallow as its Subject
The Spandau Ballet Boys Proudly Strut Their Stuff
I really enjoyed this celebrity-documentary that took a close-up look at the rise and fall of the British, new wave, pop sensations, Spandau Ballet during the 1980s.
This first-rate presentation contained some really great archival footage, looking back at the music/youth scene in London during the height of the New Wave music craze.
This documentary also reveals a very bitter and intense drama of total betrayal that happened between the members of Spandau Ballet and what eventually took place in its aftermath.
I certainly recommend "Soul Boys" to anyone who is interested in seeing yet another fascinating chapter in the history of pop music.
The Rise. The Fall. The Betrayal.
Without a doubt - When speaking about the British music scene of the 1980's - ("blue-eyed soul" rockers) Spandau Ballet (amongst several other notable bands) were the ones who, most definitely, helped shape and define that unique era in pop music history.
Impressively directed by George Hencken - "Soul Boys Of The Western World" tells the intriguing and eye-opening story of the meteoric rise, the double-crossing fall, and the eventual (but at first reluctant) reunion of Spandau Ballet.
Through interviews, stills, and an absolutely amazing collection of vintage film clips (chronicling London's youth culture movement, circa 1975-1985) - This exceptional documentary is a first-rate production that I highly recommend to all who are interested in pop music of yesteryear.
This is one of the best presentations of its kind that I've seen in a mighty long time. I hope that you will agree.