Rent 9 Songs (2004)

2.4 of 5 from 176 ratings
1h 6min
Rent 9 Songs Online DVD & Blu-ray Rental
  • General info
  • Available formats
Synopsis:
Directed by Michael Winterbottom, the film charts the intensely emotional and physical relationship between Matt (Kieran O'Brien) and Lisa (Margo Stilley), a young American student in London, from their first encounter at the Brixton Academy to their eventual split. Intercutting between the couple's uninhibited sexual encounters and electrifying gig footage of Black Rebel, Motorcycle Club, The Von Bondies, Elbow, Primal Scream, The Dandy Warhols, Super Furry Animals, Franz Fredinand and Michael Nyman, 9 Songs tells a truly modern love story.
Actors:
, , , , , Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, , , , , , , , , , Nick Jago, Richard Jupp, , ,
Directors:
Producers:
Andrew Eaton, Michael Winterbottom
Writers:
Michael Winterbottom
Studio:
High Fliers
Genres:
Drama, Music & Musicals, Romance
BBFC:
Release Date:
27/06/2005
Run Time:
66 minutes
Languages:
English Dolby Digital 5.1
DVD Regions:
Region 2
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 1.85:1
Colour:
Colour
Bonus:
  • Introduction by Tom Dewe Mathews, author of 'Censored'
  • Interviews with Margo Stilley, Kieran O'Brien and directed Michael Winterbottom
  • The 9 songs: Music only option
BBFC:
Release Date:
20/07/2009
Run Time:
67 minutes
Languages:
English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
DVD Regions:
Region 2
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 1.85:1
Colour:
Colour
BLU-RAY Regions:
B

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Reviews (4) of 9 Songs

Same Old Story, Same Old Song - 9 Songs review by JS

Spoiler Alert
13/01/2014

It's hard to see what Winterbottom was trying to say with this opaque glimpse into the relationship between two people; the main reason for this is that we never get more than just that, a glimpse. Sadly the first British mainstream film to feature real and, in the main, relaistic sex, is a missed opportunity that makes you wish someone with more on their mind than just pushing censorship boundaries had been at the helm. Usually I would start a review like this by saying that the film focuses on the relationship between the two protagonoist, but it really doesn't. What we get is a collage of concert footage, sex scenes and domestic scenes, but at no time are we allowed into their relationship or even their characters - the male protagonists' name isn't even mentioned onscreen - with get only the slightest hints of their personalities - he's a scientist who waffles on in voiceover about ice and she may have mental health issues. They both snort coke and, in one scene, visit a lap dancer who gives Stilley's character oral sex which seems to cause her some emotional problems... for about ten seconds. And this is the films fatal flaw: it never takes its dramatic promise anywhere at all. Just when you think a story line is kicking in the film cuts either to another concert - and was that the best indie music they could get? - or another sex scene.

This film had so much potential and could have been a searing exporation of the path a relationship on sex can take but Winterbottom decides to just... well... do nothing with anything. And at 65 minutes, and you have to take the fifteen or so minutes of concert footage out of that, there was never going to be time for anything more than a cursory glace at two people passing in time.

The sex scenes are what they are, with both leads selling them convincingly and certainly seeming to enjoy what they are doing - but the curiosity peters out very quickly and, without a dramatic story to hang them on, one fuck scene is pretty much like any other.

The film looks great, shot on HDV with available light in a pretty grungy flat it has a documentary feel that just makes me wish even more I had been watching something I would want to revisit and feel was an important viewing experience.

3 out of 3 members found this review helpful.

What a load of Shiza - 9 Songs review by CP Customer

Spoiler Alert
04/09/2005

The film is just a jumbled up mess of concerts and sex. Acted very badly, the lead actress must be special needs. You do get to see her minge but that is no consolation.

3 out of 8 members found this review helpful.

Boring - 9 Songs review by Pete W

Spoiler Alert
13/06/2006

I haven't got the faintest idea what this film was trying to say. Perhaps it was just an exercise to see how far you can push the boundaries of censorship. Yes, you get to see total nudity, erections - the lot. But why?

2 out of 4 members found this review helpful.

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