The Boat That Rocked
On air. Off shore. Out of control.
Overview
An ensemble comedy, where the romance is between the young people of the 60s, and pop music. It's about a band of DJs that captivate Britain, playing the music that defines a generation and standing up to a government that wanted control of popular culture via the British Broadcasting Corporation. Loosely based on the events in Britain in the 60's when the Labour government of Harold Wilson, wanted to bring the pirate radio stations under control, enough to see the passage of the Marine Broadcasting Offences Act on 15 August 1967. Also known as "Pirate Radio".
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Released in 2009, The Boat That Rocked serves as a nostalgic journey through the British Invasion era, reflecting the societal changes and the rise of rock 'n' roll during that time.
- The Boat That Rocked boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring Nick Frost, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Bill Nighy, delivering humorous and engaging performances.
- The movie's plot, set in the 1960s during the height of the British Invasion, offers a unique perspective on the cultural revolution of music and societal norms.
- The film explores themes such as freedom of speech, rebellion, and the power of music, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Fun Facts
- The movie is based on the real pirate radio stations broadcasting from ships off the English coast during the 1960s, such as Radio Caroline and Radio London.
- Bill Nighy's character, The Count, was inspired by one of the DJs from Radio Caroline named Tony Blackburn.
- The film features several popular musicians, including The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and The Who, who made appearances or had their songs played on pirate radio stations.