Pirate Radio (2009)

A band of rogue DJs that captivated Britain, playing the music that defined a generation and standing up to a government that wanted classical music, and nothing else, on the airwaves.

Director:

Richard Curtis

Writer:

Richard Curtis

Stars:

Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Nick Frost

1 win & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Hadley	...	Mr. Roberts
Charlie Rowe	...	James
Lucy Fleming	...	Mrs. Roberts
Philip Seymour Hoffman	...	The Count
Tom Sturridge	...	Carl
Ian Mercer	...	Transfer Boatman
Bill Nighy	...	Quentin
Will Adamsdale	...	News John
Tom Brooke	...	Thick Kevin
Rhys Darby	...	Angus Nutsford
Nick Frost	...	Dave
Katherine Parkinson	...	Felicity
Chris O'Dowd	...	Simon
Ike Hamilton	...	Harold
Stephen Moore	...	Prime Minister

Storyline

This movie is an ensemble comedy in which the romance takes place between the young people of the '60s and pop music. It's about a band of rogue DJs that captivated Britain, playing the music that defined a generation and standing up to a government that wanted classical music, and nothing else, on the airwaves. The Count, a big, brash, American god of the airwaves; Quentin, the boss of Radio Rock - a pirate radio station in the middle of the North Sea that's populated by an eclectic crew of rock and roll DJs; Gavin, the greatest DJ in Britain who has just returned from his drug tour of America to reclaim his rightful position; Dave, an ironic, intelligent and cruelly funny co-broadcaster; and a fearsome British government official out for blood against the drug takers and lawbreakers of a once-great nation.

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Plot Keywords:

pirate radio station | pirate radio | pirate broadcasting | jumping from height | loss of virginity | 

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Taglines:

They rocked. They rolled. Then they sank.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, and some sexual content including brief nudity

Details

Country:

UK Germany France

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 November 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Pirate Radio

Filming Locations:

Gambardella's Cafe, Blackheath Standard, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$50,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£1,804,773 (United Kingdom), 5 April 2009, Limited Release

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,904,380, 15 November 2009, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$7,994,115, 1 January 2010

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, StudioCanal, Working Title Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

135 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS DTS (as dts)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The album Bob grabs at the end is the 1967 record, "The 5000 Spirits Or The Layers Of The Onion" by Incredible String Band.

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Goofs

In the Christmas scene at the government minister's house, the minister's daughter offers Twatt a mince pie. A mince pie can be clearly seen already on his plate and when he accepts the (apparently second) the other has vanished.

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Quotes

The Count: Arrhh, Jesus, I don't even like Simon! Fucking cry-baby!

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Crazy Credits

There is an additional scene after the credits have ended.

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Alternate Versions

US distributor, Universal have chosen to re-title the film as "Pirate Radio" and release it under Focus Features in US territories. This new version will be edited for length by director Richard Curtis after some European reviewers cited its 135 minute running time as a factor in its diminished success.

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Connections

Referenced in The Kevin Bishop Show: Episode #2.4 (2009)

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Soundtracks

Dambusters March
(1954)
Written by Eric Coates
Performed by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Paul Bateman
Courtesy of Silver Screen Records Ltd

User Reviews

A film that rocks

This film is about a pirate rock radio station in British North Sea in the 1960's.

I have watched several movies about British music history, and I have enjoyed none of them. So it was a pleasant surprise when I watched "The Boat That Rocked", as I find it very enjoyable.

The plot emphasises on the the character's interpersonal dynamics, their passion for music and their strive to rebel. It is a well written and well told story. Character development is excellent, each of them have different charisma and charm. They engage me throughout to the point that I feel what the characters feel. The film is very good, you have to see it to believe it.