Watch The Clash: Rude Boy

The Clash: Rude Boy, released in 1980, is a British film directed by Jack Hazan and David Mingay. The film follows the life of Ray Gange, a young and naive roadie who is hired by The Clash, one of the most legendary punk rock bands of all time. The movie is a mix of concert footage, staged performances, and documentary-style scenes of Gange's everyday life, and the film is often considered one of the defining moments of punk cinema.

The Clash: Rude Boy is essentially split into two parts. The first half of the film documents Gange's life before he becomes a roadie for The Clash. We see him in his working-class neighborhood of West London, where he is struggling to find a sense of purpose amongst poverty, violence, and the reality of the fading punk scene. The cinematography is gritty and dark, capturing the despair and rage of youth disenchanted with their bleak surroundings.

After meeting Mick and Paul, members of The Clash, Gange lands a job as a roadie for the band. The movie then shifts into concert footage and behind-the-scenes glimpses of what it was like to be on tour with one of the most influential punk bands of the era. While the music and performances are electrifying, the film also highlights the mundane aspects of touring, from long hours on the road to late-night hotel room parties. We see Gange become increasingly disillusioned with The Clash's hierarchy, as he sees the widening gap between the band and their fans.

As a document of one of the most important moments in punk history, The Clash: Rude Boy is invaluable. The film captures many of The Clash's most iconic performances, including the infamous Rock Against Racism concert in London, where the band performed in support of anti-fascist movements. The movie also features footage of the band's tour of the United States, where they played in sold-out venues and experienced the thrills and tribulations of being a rock star.

One aspect of the film that sets it apart from other music documentaries of its time is its political edge. The Clash were known for their left-wing political ideologies, and this film is no exception. The movie features interviews with members of the band, as well as footage of them voicing their views on issues such as racism, unemployment, and police brutality. These discussions are interspersed with scenes of Gange's everyday life, including his struggle to find steady employment and his run-ins with the police.

Overall, The Clash: Rude Boy is an essential film for anyone interested in punk rock history. Its combination of concert footage, backstage glimpses, and political commentary make it one of the most unique documentaries of its time. Ray Gange's story is that of a young man finding his voice amidst the chaos and confusion of late-70s London, and the film serves as a powerful reminder of the power of punk rock to inspire change and challenge the status quo. For fans of The Clash, this film is an absolute must-see, and for anyone interested in the history of punk, it is a must-watch.

The Clash: Rude Boy is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 3 hours and 24 minutes.