All Night Long [DVD]

I had a great experience with this film! Despite being unfamiliar with it, I read the storyline and decided to give it as a gift to my jazz-loving neighbor for his 80th birthday. Surprisingly, he had never heard or seen it before either, but he told me it was fantastic. The film features many talented jazz musicians and well-known actors that impressed him so much that his entire jazz society wants to borrow it. If I had only given him this one gift for his special birthday, it would have been enough! Based on his reaction as a lifelong jazz fan, I confidently recommend this film to others considering purchasing it.

This cult movie is excellent, featuring impressive cameo musical performances by the top jazz musicians in 1960s London. While it claims to be based on Shakespeare's "Othello," I can't confirm as I haven't read or seen the play. However, it does accurately portray the typical lifestyle of jazz musicians, including hunger, greed, sex, drugs, and jealousy. These are common occupational hazards for those at the forefront of performance and creativity in jazz. Overall, it's a good film but may feel uncomfortably familiar to those who have experienced this lifestyle firsthand.