Back to Black

Biopics on singers seem to be having their heyday – but Back to Black could be the most polarising of all.

Ultimately, enjoyment of this ode to Amy Winehouse seems dependent on how much the viewer already knows about Winehouse and how much of a fan they are.

While the two-hour film showcases the famous star’s rise to fame and family relationships to a certain extent, most of Back to Black focuses on Winehouse’s relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil.

The two meet in a pub in Camden Town shortly after Winehouse takes a break from her record label’s demands, stating she needs to ‘live her songs’.

They fall in love, but the relationship soon meets troubled waters between Winehouse’s alcohol addiction and Fielder-Civil’s cocaine habit.

Between the couple breaking up and Winehouse finding out that her grandmother is dying from lung cancer, the singer finds inspiration to write her well-known album, Back to Black.

The couple eventually get back together and marry, but it still doesn’t end well. Despite Winehouse going to rehab and getting clean from drugs, alcohol dependence continues to be an issue and eventually is unfortunately her demise.

As a viewer who had listened to Amy Winehouse’s music but didn’t know much of her story, Back to Black was an engaging film that was written and shot well, with clearly dedicated actors portraying Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil. The film is never once dry, and is an enjoyable way to spend two hours.

See Back to Black for yourself with Event Cinemas at The Strand.