Is a-ha: MTV Unplugged - Summer Solstice Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)
a-ha, the multi-platinum selling legendary Norwegian trio, will release a 15 track Acoustic Hits MTV Unplugged album on October 6. This is the first time in the band’s 30 year history that they have recorded an acoustic album. The set list includes a carefully picked selection of trademark hits, tracks not often performed live and two brand new songs, This Is Our Home and A Break In The Clouds. Guests on the album include Alison Moyet, Ian McCulloch, and Lissie. Their Unplugged concert was filmed in Norway, each artist in the series chose a location that held a special meaning to them. a-ha’s MTV Unplugged album will enhance the bands credibility, they are one of a select few artists that have been chosen to appear in the series alongside acts such as Shawn Mendes.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Music cinema, then a-ha: MTV Unplugged - Summer Solstice offers a fresh and engaging experience that justifies its existence in the 2017 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
In the evolving tapestry of Music cinema, the 2017 release of a-ha: MTV Unplugged - Summer Solstice stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into a-ha, the multi-platinum selling legendary Norwegian trio, will release a 15 track Acoustic Hits MTV Unplugged album on October 6. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Music are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "a-ha, the multi-platinum selling legendary Norwegian trio, will release a 15 track Acoustic Hits MTV Unplugged album on October 6. This is the first time in the band’s 30 year history that they have recorded an acoustic album. The set list includes a carefully picked selection of trademark hits, tracks not often performed live and two brand new songs, This Is Our Home and A Break In The Clouds. Guests on the album include Alison Moyet, Ian McCulloch, and Lissie. Their Unplugged concert was filmed in Norway, each artist in the series chose a location that held a special meaning to them. a-ha’s MTV Unplugged album will enhance the bands credibility, they are one of a select few artists that have been chosen to appear in the series alongside acts such as Shawn Mendes."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Audiences are treated to a masterclass in acting by Morten Harket, whose portrayal of the protagonist is imbued with a depth and vulnerability that is rare in contemporary Music. The chemistry with the supporting players is palpable, creating a gravity that pulls the viewer into the screen.
The direction by Markus Hartmann is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its N/A minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is a-ha: MTV Unplugged - Summer Solstice truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Music, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.
The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 8.2/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, a-ha: MTV Unplugged - Summer Solstice explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Markus Hartmann respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, a-ha: MTV Unplugged - Summer Solstice is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Morten Harket or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, a-ha: MTV Unplugged - Summer Solstice is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.