Watch Beijing Punk

Beijing Punk is a 2010 documentary film that explores the punk rock scene in Beijing, China. Directed by Shaun Jefford and produced by Shaun Jefford and Paul Duffield, the film follows several bands, including Demerit and Brain Failure, as they navigate the challenges of being punk musicians in a country where rock and roll is still considered subversive.

The film opens with a brief history of punk in China, highlighting the influence of bands like the Sex Pistols and the Clash on a generation of young Chinese musicians. We then meet Liu Bao, the lead singer of Demerit, who talks about how he discovered punk rock and the role it has played in his life. Liu takes us on a tour of his neighborhood in Beijing, where we see the punk aesthetic at work in graffiti and street art.

Next, we meet Nevin Domer, an American expat who runs a record store in Beijing called Hot Cat Club. Nevin talks about the challenges of selling punk music in a country where censorship is rampant and the government looks upon rock music with suspicion. He also shares his insights into the punk scene in Beijing, describing it as a diverse and vibrant community that is constantly evolving.

The film then focuses on several bands, including Demerit, Brain Failure, and Joyside, as they rehearse, record, and perform their music. We see the bands playing in dingy bars and venues around Beijing, as well as on larger stages at music festivals. We also hear from the band members themselves, who discuss their influences, their aspirations, and the obstacles they face in pursuing their music.

One of the recurring themes of the film is the tension between the punk scene and Chinese society at large. We see this tension play out in various ways, from the police shutting down concerts to the bands' struggles to get their music heard in the mainstream media. The film also touches on the broader political context of punk in China, with several musicians discussing the government's crackdown on freedom of expression and the role of punk rock in challenging that oppression.

Throughout the film, the music itself takes center stage. We hear a range of styles, from the fast, aggressive sound of Demerit to the more melodic approach of Brain Failure. We also see the punk ethos at work in the personal lives of the musicians, as they reject the consumerism and conformity of mainstream Chinese society in favor of a more DIY, anti-establishment approach.

Overall, Beijing Punk is a fascinating look at a little-known subculture in a country that is rapidly changing. Through its intimate portraits of the musicians and the venues that make up the punk scene, the film captures the raw energy and passion of a community that is forging its own path in a society that often seems hostile to its values. If you're a fan of punk music, or simply interested in the intersection of music and politics, this is a film you won't want to miss.