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 Kids (Prince) miserable home life, where he suffers the brutalities of his father (well played by Clarence Williams III) and the youths efforts to win the love of the beautiful Apollonia. Despite the misogynistic undercurrents in Purple Rain, the films biggest fans were young women. Gorgeously photographed by Donald Thorin, Purple Rain is essentially a glorified music video, highlighted by a catalogue of Princes hits, including I Would Die 4 U, When Doves Cry and Lets Go Crazy; the score deservedly won an Academy Award and a Grammy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide