Watch Imagine

In Imagine, a 2012 biographical film based on the life of the famous poet and musician John Lennon, we are introduced to a 22-year-old Lennon, played by Edward Hogg, who has just started his career as a musician. The story takes place in Liverpool in the early 1960s and follows Lennon's journey as he tries to make a name for himself.

At the beginning of the movie, we see Lennon struggling to find his sound, as he experiments with different types of music, from rock and roll to ballads. However, Lennon soon realizes that his true calling is in creating music that speaks to people on a deeper level. He begins to write lyrics that are politically charged and emotionally resonant, and soon gains a following of fans who are inspired by his messages of peace, love, and unity.

Throughout the film, we see Lennon's personal life unfold, from his tumultuous relationship with his mother Julia (Christine Bottomley) to his rebellious nature and his tendency to question authority. We also see him falling in love with his future wife, Cynthia (Alexandra Maria Lara), and starting a family with her.

As Lennon's fame grows, he becomes more and more involved in the counterculture movement of the 1960s. He becomes an activist for peace and speaks out against the Vietnam War, which puts him at odds with the US government. In one memorable scene, we see Lennon and his bandmates in The Beatles refusing to play a concert in the US unless they are allowed to bring along their friend and political activist, Yoko Ono (Melchior Derouet).

The film culminates in Lennon's tragic death in 1980, when he was shot by a fan outside his New York City apartment building. Through flashbacks and archive footage, we see the impact Lennon had on the world and how he will always be remembered as a cultural icon and a voice for change.

One of the strengths of Imagine is the performances of the actors, particularly Edward Hogg as Lennon, who portrays the music legend with nuance and sensitivity. The chemistry between Hogg and his co-stars, Alexandra Maria Lara and Melchior Derouet, is also impressive, helping to convey the emotions and tensions of Lennon's personal and professional relationships.

The film also effectively uses music to tell Lennon's story, with several iconic Beatles songs featured throughout and new tracks written specifically for the movie. The soundtrack, including songs like "Imagine" and "All You Need Is Love," adds to the film's emotional impact and cements Lennon's legacy as a songwriter and musician.

In terms of the cinematography, Imagine makes great use of archival footage and newsreels from the time period, immersing the viewer in Lennon's world and giving context to the political and cultural events of the era. Director Andrew Sirkis also uses creative editing techniques to transition between scenes and convey the passage of time.

Overall, Imagine is a touching tribute to John Lennon and a celebration of his life and legacy. The film effectively captures the essence of Lennon's music and message, while also providing insight into his personal life and the volatile times in which he lived. It is an inspiring and well-crafted biopic that will resonate with fans of Lennon and The Beatles, as well as with those who appreciate artistry, activism, and the power of music to effect change.

Imagine is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.