Breaking Glass (1980) User Reviews (29)

One of the great fall and decline of rock star films!

[sphinx-7 · 8/10 · 28 November 2001]

I first saw the film when it landed on US cable a year after it came out. It blew my little head away, I was only 16 and it was the first new wave music I'd heard, having been a strictly folky, classical kid growing up. The music mesmerized me, as did Hazel O'Connor's amazing look and charismatic vocal performances, and Phil Daniels' tough but soft Cockney manager just stole my heart. But I think my favorite character was Jonathan Pryce's drugged out sax player. He was so out of place in the band and so harmless and pathetic, he just begged for sympathy. Favorite scenes, the performance when the lights went out, and the love scene on the train.

Okay, so the movie isn't the Rose! But it was really excellent for its limited budget and for its portrayal of the Britain of the early 80's, exploding with rebellious youth, looking for a way out of the dole queue. I went to Britain only a couple of years later and found the movie to have been very reflective of the atmosphere I found when I was there.

If you get a chance to, see it. It is a great movie, with some wonderful performances, and the music will blow you away.

Great time capsule

[sigmus61 · 8/10 · 7 May 2012]

Here it is, 2012, and I just watched Breaking Glass, though I actually recognize a couple of the songs (possible I was listening to the movie at another time in my life).

This movie, cheesy and spunky and rough around the edges, but what a fun time I had watching it. The music transported me back to when I was fresh out of high school, in the Navy, going to clubs in NY, Chicago, Orlando and Seattle with my buds and listening to this style of music everywhere. How I love the punk and post-punk era. Some of the best music was came from the UK during this time.

The movie was the perfect anecdote for artistic exploitation amidst unrest, racism and rampant abuse by authorities. I loved the emotion and terror of the scene with the rioting skinheads and Kate singing Blackman.

Still the best scenes were reserved for the performances (dubbed, but who cares). I was overwhelmed by the performance of Eigth Day. Superb in every way.

I just can't believe it took me this long to see it!

A timely warning ....

[welshNick · 8/10 · 10 September 2005]

Breaking Glass is a film that everyone aspiring to be in the music industry should see more than once. It is a very dark tale about the way a record company manipulates a singer to do things their way and to make as much money out of her as possible. Looking at some of today's 'search for a star' style TV shows on both in the UK and abroad I am always reminded of this film. Though not an expert on the subject, the winners of these shows tend to have one very big initial hit and then its downhill from there. This film predates these shows though the effect seems the same. After getting rid of her manager, played quite brilliantly by Phil Daniels, slowly but surely the record company changes her lyrics puts her on stimulants and she is eventually totally burnt out. You potential stars of tomorrow.... WATCH THIS AND BEWARE !!!

Example of the post punk era in England

[Ambbrit · 26 October 2004]

I have watched this movie and although it is dated and low budget there is much more to this movie than "A low budget post punk Star is born!" There is the main story about a rebellious anti-establishment singer "Kate" played by Hazel O Connor who in order to "make it" has to give up control of her music and is forced on to the record company "bandwagon". This results in her losing the bands manager "Danny" (brilliantly played by Phil Daniels)who feels he is losing control of the band! But more than this, the movie is an accurate reflection of the post-punk anti-establishment feeling in England which I lived through at the time. The lyrics of Hazel's songs depict this and still have something to say today regarding Government and establishment control! However, the greatest irony is the climax of the movie where Kate (Hazel O Connor) is singing the song "Eighth day" as a protest against the establishment when she herself is having to "fit in to the establishment" to perform the song. Well worth another look!

Memory Lane

[mansellsmum · 7/10 · 20 May 2019]

I wanted to be Hazel O'Connor after watching this as a kid. I watched this the other day and loved the film.

Obviously, as no longer a child, I saw this with different eyes. I remember basis of the story, but not the nuance of mental anxiety and PTSD. The music is great, amazed by the amount of well-known actors in this!

There are some bits which are unbelievably cheesy and Hazel's acting skills are rather poor to say the least. Very enjoyable despite this.

The punk "A star is born"!

[Pedro_H · 6/10 · 3 October 2002]

Low budget Brit pop melodrama focuses on a girl who wants to be a star, becomes one and then finds it all a bit too much. Good cast and a sense of time and place cannot hide the fact that we have all been here before. Several scenes are a bit hysterical and O'Connor's voice sounds a lot like Mini Mouse! She disappeared from sight soon after making this movie - so life can imitated art! A must see if you want to see a punk version of a Star Is Born though.

So, so true

[kris-gray · 10/10 · 9 March 2019]

I've worked in the music business for almost 50 years now and I so recognise this as being close to the truth of what goes on. Musicians and artists are constantly manipulated to do what the record companies want, sometimes subtly and sometimes blatantly. Young musicians/artists are so desperate to make records and be stars they sign or do anything to get there. So yes, I've seen this happen in reality.

Other reviewers have said it is dated, far from it, ok the music is very early 80's but it's a film of that era so what do you expect?

Phil Daniels is excellent as the young plugger (yes this is how the charts were fixed back then) who loved Kate and wanted to look after her. Some great early appearances of Mark (The Bill) Wingett, Derek (Casualty) Thompson, Jim Broadbent, Richard Griffiths, the late Gary Holton, Gary Olson, Michael (Foyle) Kitchen and George (Zoot) Money (blink and you miss 'em). Plus a wonderful appearance of Johnathan Pryce who actually looks as if he can play that saxophone. I mean what a wonderful cast and script not to mention the awesome Hazel O'Conner who should have gone on to superstardom writing all the music of Breaking Glass.

Also nice to see the great Gary Tibbs on bass, one of the best bass players ever having once played with Adam Ant (never understood that one), Roxy Music, Brian May and more recently Fixx. I'd have him in any band today. I understand Kate Bush auditioned for the part, seriously? I mean she could never have played the post punk Kate.

'Will You' is probably one of the best songs ever and should have got a Grammy, that sax solo, WOW!!!!

If you haven't seen this film, get it on DVD as it never seems to turn up on any TV station.

All reviews are correct. It is a post punk A Star Is Born.

[stevelivesey-37183 · 6/10 · 14 February 2024]

Not sure about it being low budget though.

Growing up in these times in the UK, I have to say, this is pretty accurate. The power cuts were real. The bin men being on strike so the rubbish was piled high on the streets. Fighting between right and left wing factions, race riots, mass unemployment.

Hazel o'Connor had some hit singles with this music and was big in 1980 when this came although most of the music has aged badly and sounds awful.

The direction is basic, the script is average but I will say the film has its heart in the right place.

I had so much fun looking out for young versions of of tadays well known actors. Jonathan Pryce was a special treat.

Classic

[fcjh · 10/10 · 11 January 2000]

I first saw "Breaking Glass" in 1980, and thought that it would be one of the "Movie Classics". This film is a great look into the music industry with a great cast of performers. This is one film that should be in the collection of everyone and any one that wants to get into the music industry. I can't wait for it to be available on DVD.

SO UNDERRATED

[verahull · 10/10 · 19 September 2022]

I don't understand why this film is so underrated. Hazel O'Connor's performance is breathtaking. She wrote all the songs in just over a week!!!

She says she is not a musician, I beg to differ Ms O'Connor. You are a very gifted musician.

She has so much to offer the role - the casting director nailed it. I wish this was readily available to watch on Prime. So many are missing out.

Phil Daniels was perfect casting too. Together their story broke my heart. He has a vulnerability that's captivating. The rest of the casting was spot on too. It's not like watching a film, it's like having access to a real life story happening right in front of you.

Seeing how fame can be so destructive in a time when politically speaking everything was on the Up! NOT EVERYTHING EH!

IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THIS FILM - WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!

Early musical influence of mine

[nikolai082700 · 30 September 2006]

It's almost impossible for me to be objective about this film. I first saw it in 1981 as a 12 year old drummer with stars in my eyes. I immediately begged my dad to get me the soundtrack on vinyl and was off memorizing the entire album. It is, by far, one of my favorite movies of all time. The story is decent, the acting is good, and the music is absolutely in tune with the period. The depiction of the music industry with it's main players often exploiting every new trend, sound and artist until it and they are completely exhausted is spot-on. What truly makes this film is the music. Each track is a perfect reflection of Kate's (Hazel O'Connor) journey and is pretty darn catchy to boot. (You'll be humming "Big Brother" for days.) I highly recommend this film, as have others in the forum, for anyone aspiring to be a musician for a living. It is a brilliant parable of having and maintaining control of your art and destiny.

Under Seen Underrated Amazing

[elliott78212 · 9/10 · 8 June 2012]

I haven't seen this movie in a few years catching it once on late night TV here in the states but I actually saw it multiple times in theaters here and later on HBO its awesome. Hazel O'Connor is amazing her voice, her acting are spot on, the lyrics to every song have great meaning from the radical anti racist Blackman, to the Anti Machine 8th day which looking back was way ahead of its time, to the incredibly touching torch song Will You. Every aspect of this production was a statement on the 80's, the Corporate Music Industry, and most of all our materialism and racism it was so much more than it appears on the service it is for me the Quintessential movie of the 80's. Fueled by good direction, a wonderfully competent supporting cast and powerful music a must see.

Fantastic Film

[ronscottspain · 10/10 · 6 January 2007]

One of my best films ever, maybe because i was well into the punk scene in the late 70s and went to many of hazels concerts, but the film was a good story line and very good acting by hazel and a up and coming Phil Daniels not sure about his latest project Eastenders !! excellent performance by lots of unknown actors who if you keep your eyes peeled will see them in many of the UK soaps today exp: Carver out of the Bill, the more i watch it the more of them i spot, well if you have not seen it yet have a night in with the video, don't forget to dig out the safety pin for your nose and heavy black eye makeup and shave your head Mochanian style....Enjoy

Superbly made and acted film about the rise and fall of a star

[verminhater · 8/10 · 26 August 2019]

Firstly I need to admit I was and still am a big fan of Hazel O'Connor. That may apply the rose tint to my views or not but better you know this than not.

Set in the late 70's UK the film portrays the rise to fame of a post-punk singer and her subsequent fall. "Gritty" is a good description of the film as it doesn't pull it's punches in portraying both life and business. Hazel's music isn't going to be to everyone's taste and that may or may not put you off from the film as the music is central to the film tying in to the rebellious social order of the day. Though I'm a fan I'm not blind to the fact Hazel's voice is nothing outstanding but that just adds to the gritty nature I mentioned and the simply fantastic love song "Will You?" which describes the awkwardness inherent in lovers first dates is all the better for that voice. It wouldn't be the song it is if sung with a perfect voice. Another admission - that song is one of my all time favourites and contains the best sax solo ever.

Both the directing and acting are first rate, really pulling you in to the story. That story is nothing new and has been done many a time but I can't think of any that did it better.

One of the best kept secrets in British cinema history. A classic.

[grahamellison · 5 April 2007]

Breaking Glass is an excellent movie which has suffered from neglect and wholly inaccurate political associations. This movie was written and made in 1978 and 1979 and released in 1980. Therefore it couldn't possibly be: "A truly excellent portrayal of 80s Britain".Nor does it depict life in: "Thatcher's Britain".

In fact Breaking Glass depicts Callaghan's Britain, which was characterised by a deplorable catalogue of industrial disputes, strikes, high unemployment, and collapsing public services during the winter of 1978-9, dubbed the 'Winter of Discontent'.

What this movie is, is one of the best kept secrets in British cinema history. And although Hazel O'Connor enjoys second billing to Phil Daniels who had just done Quadrophenia to great acclaim, she is one of the greatest talents we've ever produced. Indeed, Hazel shines as the real star throughout, possibly drawing on her own personal experiences growing up in Coventry following the break-up of her parent's marriage, which lead to her running away to Europe at the age of 16.

I saw this film in the cinema the week it was released in the UK and I was stunned by both Hazel's singing and acting talent as well as that of the saxophonist superbly played (and dubbed) by Jonathan Pryce. That solo is a classic all on its own. Every feeling I felt at the time whilst watching this stark portrayal of human nature and the workings of the music industry has stayed with me until today.

In many ways Breaking Glass suffers from being too current. All stories of social history work best when set in the past. Quadrophenia worked because it spoke of a previous period of disruptive British history - 20 years in the past. Also, there was already an undercurrent of opposition to Thatcher, but the country the Conservatives inherited from Labour on 4th May 1979 was a wreck. So it was perhaps convenient for some to use it as a metaphor for the greed and excess that was in fact still yet to come.

See this movie and enjoy it for what it is: a landmark in British Cinema history and a brilliant one-off performance from everyone involved. And catch Hazel on the net, where she sells much of her music, and live on stage where she's still gigging.

A Snapshot of a Very Unique Time

[sts-26 · 9/10 · 12 December 2008]

Anyone interested in pop music, and not familiar with British music trends of the late-seventies, should be sure to watch Breaking Glass at least once. The movie, about a young woman's quest to make her mark in the music world, captures the times perfectly, from the overt sexism, rough economic times, social upheaval, to the shift in pop culture from rough-and-tumble punk to terribly fey and pretentious Futurism/New Romanticism. The music and fashion styles created daily in Britain in the late-seventies are still being rediscovered and recycled (there really has been nothing new since 1980). This was a dazzling time, and Breaking Glass both tells a very personal story and surveys the cultural landscape, and does both extremely well.

Excellent movie !

[sweet_thang138 · 10/10 · 28 September 2005]

I first saw "Breaking Glass" when it was released in England in 1980..I loved it then and having just caught it in August 2005 on a Canadian station it still is great. The only thing I regret is I can't find the sound track or the DVD in the stores??...anyone care to shed some light or must I order it from some over priced internet company. But getting back to the film the music stands up to the test of time, Hazel/Kate had something to say about 80's Britain..actually it was the same decade I moved to Canada for some of the same reasons one being "Thatcher" and what she was doing to the country at the time. Please if you get the chance watch this movie you won't be sorry!

Pure 80's Nostalgia

[baconballs1969 · 10/10 · 11 April 2006]

I acquired this, one of my all-time favourite films on DVD recently and as usual, during viewing, the whole thing just blew me away.

I am a massive fan of Hazel O'Connor and the soundtrack to this film just has me in tears, especially the "Will You" track. It's a pure nostalgia trip for me back to my youth. This rates second best to Quadrophenia (which also starred Phil Daniels).

A great soundtrack and a great view of Britain in the Thatcherite years of the grim 80's in which I grew up. The ending is so sad, for hours after the end of the film I am like a blubbering baby.

I expect to wear out this DVD from repeated viewing, I can watch it over and over again and never be bored, simply for the soundtrack alone.

Hazel, sorry to hear about your dad darling. God Bless you all. xx

People don't stand still...Neither does music

[JasonDanielBaker · 2 March 2014]

Dodgy spiv record promoter Danny (Daniels) appoints himself manager for spunky but homely and not particularly talented New Wave singer Kate (O'Connor), fires her band and recruits a new one dubbing them 'Breaking Glass'. Immediately a spark ignites and Kate's position is improved as she finally has a band worthy of backing her. But that is far from all that is needed.

Harried by drunken club goers, skinheads, police, striking workers and the excesses of the music industry they find their niche. Having sold out to a record company they are gradually played against each other by music executives and a sly producer (Finch). Danny is induced to quit. Gradually the rest of Kate's band quits or are fired and her music becomes more commercial but completely insincere.

This examination of life in the recording industry from gruelling bottom to lonely top is very satisfying in a lot of ways. The inside dope on how record companies manipulate chart position is particularly amusing.

Very cool music!

[RodrigAndrisan · 10/10 · 18 May 2020]

Brian Gibson, a very talented music video director (Styx, Foreigner), also made this "Breaking Glass" as a longer music video, with an interesting story. The music is gorgeous and Hazel O'Connor is compelling. Very convincing is Phil Daniels, from Franc Roddam's "Quadrophenia". Jon Finch has a special appearance as Woods the musical producer and Jonathan Pryce is cool and nice as Ken the saxophone player.

Still an amazing film

[Magik67 · 10/10 · 8 July 2020]

Watched Hazel O'Connor on a recent Lockdown 80's Festival alongside Toyah, Boomtown Rats, ABC, Tony Hadley, Claire Grogan. This film perfectly documents the transition from Punk to the Post Punk/New Romantic era of British music. Amazing film.

Time capsule movie for the post punk era.

[Bigweight66 · 9/10 · 20 April 2021]

Kate (Hazel O'Connor) is a struggling singer looking to bring her gritty music to the people. Kate is all about freedom and expressing herself, she totally dislikes authoritarian governments, pretentious people and commercialism. She meets a small time would be band manager (Phil Daniels) who takes a shine to Kate, and he helps to give her some direction. As Kate gets more and more successful she battles with the fame, relationships and the way the music industry works. The movie is set in a bleak 1979/1980 England with high unemployment, lots of strikes and disenfranchised youth. The music fits in somewhere between punk and new wave. I really liked the soundtrack, it has a rawness and uprising feel to it. Hazel O'Connor fits the role of Kate well, and she can deliver a tune. O'Connor has an awkward charm, there's something about her. The acting is not first class but Ok for a low budget movie, its not a classic tale, its about the tough music of the streets and the frustration that can come with it.

I first saw Breaking Glass around 1980 in an almost empty cinema, and I really liked the movie and music. I was a confused teenager and I felt a connection with this movie in someway? I watched it again in 2021, and I still enjoyed it.

Post-Punk Hangover after the Winter of Discontent.

[JmesBond · 9 September 1999]

Very much a political commentary on the disenfranchisement of youth and accurately summing up the feelings of the under 20s at that time, if not the reality.

The film was made just after the nation had suffered 'The Winter of Discontent' the final humiliation of the disastrous socialist government that had destroyed the aspirations and job prospects of a generation. This also led to the famous election of the far-right Thatcher government at the same time, but, they had not been in office for long enough to affect the approach of the film.

I saw the film at the time it was first shown, and being a punk and having a father that was a trade union leader at the time, much of what was portrayed in the film was familiar to me.

Although the film was very much trying to be a 'grim Northern realism' film for the 80s (and set in the south at that!), it was pure fantasy - things were never that bad, and it's easy to get depressed about situations that are portrayed as every-day occurrences that either never happened or were rare. The scenes of race riots are particularly overstated.

The music of the film, however, is it's strongest area. It is absolutely of its time, and completely representative. It is so classic that "In the beginning..." was being played in a country pub that I was in only last week (9/99) nearly 20 years later. What followed was 'New Wave' with 'Duran Duran' and others - what a disaster!

Given the slow degradation of the main character over the duration of the film, it is interesting to see what happened the the actress who played her (Hazel O'Connor) in real life. Life imitating art?

A 1980's Classic!

[vengeance20 · 8/10 · 15 April 2023]

Heard about this & the singer through a Hits CD & was intrigued by the film & what it would be like. The previews showed it to be a good watch so I did years watch it.

The film sees the rise & fall of Kate, a young & promising singer who's trying to get recognition. It is then she meets Danny who wants to promote her music which then leads to him & Kate forming the Band Breaking Glass. But trying to find their feet, never mind make it big proves difficult & even when they do reach success, many ups & downs come their way as they navigate their way to the top with the rising tensions in England during the 1980's.

I found the film to be pretty good. It's entertaining, interesting & pretty watchable. The music by Hazel O'Conor is great in itself, but in the film seems much better with the visuals of the gritty dark corners of England in the 1980's & the rising tensions from different sides.

The pacing & runtime are good at 97 minutes, 1 hour & 37 minutes. So, it doesn't drag & is evening lengthen to tell the story of Kate AKA Hazel O'Conor. The other characters are good & do well with their parts also, Phil Daniels as Danny & Jonathan Pryce as Ken. The film is dark & gritty in areas which makes great & really shows what 1980's Britain was like & portrays it well.

Overall, it's a good film. The cinematography & music are great as well as the actors, Hazel O'Conor, Phil Daniels & Jonathan Pryce especially. It's dark, gritty, interesting & watchable with a decent bit of pacing & runtime. You'll enjoy this.

8/10.

Nostalgia

[sonia-jju · 9/10 · 17 August 2021]

Saw this as a young teen in the early '80s. I still watch it from time to time. Great music and performances.