Purple Rain, the first starring film for
Prince, is the story of an arrogant, young black singer, born and raised in Minneapolis, who reaches the pinnacle of stardom. The dramatic complications include "The Kid's" (
Prince) miserable home life, where he suffers the brutalities of his father (well played by
Clarence Williams III) and the youth's efforts to win the love of the beautiful
Apollonia. Despite the misogynistic undercurrents in Purple Rain, the film's biggest fans were young women. Gorgeously photographed by
Donald Thorin, Purple Rain is essentially a glorified music video, highlighted by a catalogue of
Prince's hits, including I Would Die 4 U, When Doves Cry and Let's Go Crazy; the score deservedly won an Academy Award
and a Grammy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide