Before the invasion.

Before Grunge, before Acid Rock, before Punk Rock and before the "Video killed the Radio Star", there was one pinnacle band that helped to unleash the offshore music tidal wave known as the British Invasion.

I know that you've figured it out. It's the Beatles.

But with every success story, there's always a back story. This is that story:

Before John Lennon found his voice and the Beatles were comprised of George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr. Long before the slim black suits, psychedelic drugs, Yoko Ono and Wings, this was the tale.

John Lennon's life-in some ways-was not unlike any other young man's. It was a struggle to understand the changes of his youth contrasted with the difficulties of how to come to terms with the future man. During the youth of Lennon, we see how he was conflicted with his contorted family life, how the loss of his parents affected him and we see the final peace he makes so that he can come to grips with the truth-What find understanding what having a family means and how it defines his life.

This is not a happy telling of experiences. There's no dreams of making it big on the world stage. and certainly no talk of the Beatles. On the contrary, this is heartfelt and determined film that will have you mesmerized by the sight of growing pains.

The outstanding screen presences of Aaron Johnson and Kristin Scott Thomas move the film to a greater level. Johnson, speaks, walks and-to an extent-looks so much like John Lennon that it's difficult to believe that he wasn't actually Lennon. Kristin Scott Thomas carries her part with such skill that one can't look away while she graces the screen.

If you're a fan of story driven films such as; Life is Beautiful and District 9, don't let this one get by you.

I'm loving this film so I'm giving this one a 8 out of 10 plates of Bangers and Mash.