On air. Off shore. Out of control.|Apr. 01, 2009|United Kingdom|135 Min.|R
Genre: Comedy;Drama
Description: The Boat That Rocked (2009) is a film set in 1966, focusing on pirate radio stations that broadcast rock and pop music to the United Kingdom from ships in international waters. The story follows Carl, a seventeen-year-old expelled from school, who is sent to live with his godfather Quentin. Quentin runs the station “Radio Rock,” located in the North Sea, and Carl quickly becomes part of the eclectic crew of DJs and staff, led by the bold American DJ known as “The Count.”
Carl struggles to find his place but is soon caught up in the station’s chaotic and exciting atmosphere. The crew attempts to help Carl lose his virginity by arranging an encounter with a female fan, but their plan backfires, leading to embarrassment. Meanwhile, in London, government minister Sir Alistair Dormandy aims to shut down pirate radio stations due to their perceived commercialism and immorality. He instructs his assistant Twatt to use legal tactics to cut off their revenue streams.
To counter the government’s efforts, Quentin brings back the highly popular DJ Gavin Kavanagh to boost Radio Rock’s appeal, creating a rivalry with The Count. On his eighteenth birthday, Carl falls for Quentin’s niece Marianne, only to be heartbroken when she is seduced by DJ Doctor Dave. Carl’s roommate, “Thick” Kevin, suggests that the wild environment of Radio Rock is not ideal for Carl’s personal growth. Kevin also hints that Quentin might be Carl’s long-lost father, a question that adds another layer to Carl’s journey.
The film explores themes of rebellion, freedom, and self-discovery against the backdrop of the vibrant pirate radio scene of the 1960s.
Cast director: Richard Curtis
Cast actor: Tom Sturridge, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rhys Ifans, Bill Nighy, Emma Thompson, Nick Frost, Kenneth Branagh, January Jones, Gemma Arterton, Jack Davenport
Original name: The Boat That Rocked