"A wonderful film" – The Washington Post Directed by Iain Softley (Hackers), Backbeat is an energetic, musical drama chronicling the pre-fame Beatles as they head to Hamburg in search of success. As they gain popularity, the "fifth Beatle," bass guitarist Stuart Sutcliffe (Stephen Dorff), falls in love and ultimately must choose between his best friend John Lennon (Ian Hart), his new love Astrid (Sheryl Lee), and the greatest rock 'n' roll band in the world. Full of vitality and heart, and featuring a soundtrack that includes music from Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), David Pirner (Soul Asylum) and Mike Mills (R.E.M.), "Backbeat is a thrilling spectacle that rocks the house ... Defiant, raucous, erotic" (Rolling Stone).