Watch Punk in London

Punk in London is a 1977 documentary film, directed by Wolfgang Büld, which chronicles the emerging punk scene in London during the late '70s. This highly influential era was defined by a rejection of mainstream culture and conventional values, as musicians, fans, and artists rallied for an anarchic and fiercely independent movement. The film offers a raw and unfiltered look at this burgeoning scene, with footage of some of its most iconic bands, including The Clash, The Jam, and The Sex Pistols.

The film begins with a fast-paced montage of London's urban landscape, set to The Adverts' "Gary Gilmore's Eyes." This opening sequence sets the tone for the film, creating a sense of urgency and rebellion that is emblematic of the punk ethos. From here, we are introduced to a range of punk luminaries, including Gaye Advert, Jack Airport, and Arturo Bassick. Through interviews and performance footage, we gain insight into their philosophies and worldviews, and the cultural climate that gave rise to their music.

Throughout the film, we are treated to exhilarating performances from some of punk's biggest names. We see The Jam stirring up a raucous mosh pit with "In the City," while audience members slam dance and crowd surf to the infectious energy of The Buzzcocks' "Ever Fallen in Love." Meanwhile, The Sex Pistols whip their fans into a frenzy with "Anarchy in the UK," and we witness the historical significance of this controversial band.

Beyond the music, Punk in London also provides a portrait of a subculture at a particular moment in time. We witness punks in their everyday lives, whether it's hanging out in record stores or smoking cigarettes on the street. We are also given a sense of the broader social and political climate that contributed to the punk movement. For example, we see footage of the 1976 Notting Hill Carnival riots, which occurred just months before The Sex Pistols performed their seminal show at Manchester's Lesser Free Trade Hall.

One of the most striking things about Punk in London is how it captures the raw energy and intensity of punk performances. The camera gets up close and personal with the musicians, capturing their sweat, their movement, and their magnetism. This gives us a front row seat to the visceral experience of a punk show, which was as much about the physicality of the music as it was about the sound itself.

Despite its focus on the punk scene in London, the film also provides a broader context for the movement. Interviews with members of The Clash and The Jam, for example, reveal how their music was politically motivated, with a focus on issues such as unemployment, racism, and class inequality. This highlights the wider social issues that punk sought to address, and the impact it had beyond the music itself.

Overall, Punk in London is a thrilling snapshot of a cultural revolution. It is a time capsule that captures the essence of a frenzied, defiant moment in history, and the music that crystallized it. While it may have been made over 40 years ago, its influence on youth culture is still felt today. This is an essential film for anyone interested in punk, or in the power of music to inspire social change.

Punk in London is a 1977 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.