The reviews lean favourable on Purple Rain, with praise concentrated on Prince’s music and stage presence rather than the drama around them. Even several sceptical critics find the concert performances compelling, singling out the songwriting, guitar playing and showmanship. The more enthusiastic accounts also credit the concert lighting and camerawork, while some argue that the songs express the protagonist’s feelings more persuasively than the dialogue and acting.
The spread is wide, and the main disagreement concerns whether the filmmaking sustains that appeal away from the stage. The Hollywood Reporter praises an emotionally engaging story, evocative direction and fluid editing; The New Yorker finds the story mawkish and the direction fractured and flashy. Other reservations centre on weak lead performances, excessive length and melodrama that wears less well than the music. Even among the negative reviews, however, Prince’s musical performances remain a substantial source of pleasure.