Watch Rom Boys: 40 Years of Rad

Rom Boys: 40 Years of Rad is a documentary film that pays tribute to the evolution of skateboarding in the UK throughout the past four decades. The documentary shines a light on some of the most influential skateboarders and their contributions to the sport, as well as how skateboarding had an impact on the music and fashion scenes in the UK.

The film features interviews with the people who were there from the beginning, including pioneering skateboarders, shop owners, and filmmakers. These individuals provide firsthand accounts of the origins of skateboarding in the UK and how it has grown over the years. They talk about the early days of skating under the Radlands bridge in Northampton and growing up skating on concrete playgrounds.

The documentary also explores how skateboarding evolved into a major cultural phenomenon in the UK, influencing music and fashion. It does this by featuring interviews with some of the leading figures in the UK music scene, including members of The Clash, Bauhaus, and The Skids. We hear about the synergy between punk rock and skateboarding, and how bands like The Sex Pistols and The Clash gave voice to disaffected youth who felt left out of mainstream culture.

The film features Tim Altic, a Romford local and former pro skater who is heavily involved in the UK skateboarding scene. Tim provides a unique perspective on the history of British skateboarding through his extensive collection of skateboards, memorabilia, and photos. He shares the story of how skateboarders in the UK adapted to the different terrain they had to work with, including creating their own ramps and DIY skateparks.

The documentary also features Iain Borden, a professor of architecture and urban culture who has written extensively on skateboarding culture. Iain discusses the link between skateboarding and urban space, highlighting how skateboarders have always found ways to create their own urban playgrounds. He also talks about the impact of skateboarding on modern architecture, showing how skateparks have become part of the urban landscape in cities around the world.

John Buultjens, a former BMX world champion and the former global brand manager for Haro Bikes, also features prominently in the documentary. John discusses his love of skateboarding and BMX, and how he used the sport to escape his troubled childhood. He also provides insight into what made the UK skateboarding scene different from that in the US, and how this influenced the development of both sports.

Overall, Rom Boys: 40 Years of Rad is a comprehensive and engaging look at the history of skateboarding in the UK. The film provides a wealth of information for viewers, showing how skateboarding has evolved from an underground subculture into a major global phenomenon. It is a must-see for anyone who loves skateboarding, as well as anyone interested in the history of British popular culture.

Rom Boys: 40 Years of Rad is a 2020 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.