The Blues Brothers Film holds a special place in my heart. It is 40 years old this year (2020) but hasn’t lost any of its charm for me. It came out in 1980 though I didn’t see until December 1988.
I just loved the energy in it and the music is so catchy. If you’ve not seen it you really ought to; it is full of positive symbolism and moral references too!
Jake and Elwood Blues, ( Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi) on hearing of the threatened closure by the tax authorities of their childhood orphanage, want to re-form their rhythm 'n' blues band and give concerts in order to earn the $5,000 needed. Whilst trying to achieve this goal, they are pursued by the police, a band of neo-Nazis, musicians and a mysterious woman with a grudge.
The Blues Brothers find themselves mixed up in all sorts of increasingly incredible adventures. The music and dance routines and comedy elements are great. Not only is the film full of soul, blues and rock & roll classics, but it also features cameo appearances and performances by James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and John Lee Hooker.
The ongoing theme of perseverance and particularly the words in the “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” scene are also still relevant today!
If you like Flash mobs, here is a flash mob of the Blues Brothers in Spain