best movie i've ever seen.

I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

Punk is supposed to be hopeful and inspirational. It is supposed to be intelligent and empowering. The rejection of fascism and materialism for genuinity. The ethic of DIY - Do It Yourself; Individuality is encouraged and the idea that everybody can accomplish things on their own. You don't have to rely on other people and you don't have to rely on the corporations - If you want to do something, you can show people an entirely brand new way of doing it.Punk is about freethinking. And freedom. Both freedom on the physical plane and the mental. Punk rock is very hopeful indeed. And I would like to consider myself a fan of punk because all of these things resonate with me.Which is why THIS DOCUMENTARY IS AWFUL. I couldn't even watch all of it. She makes punk people come across as complete idiots who just drink, do drugs and pick fights with people for NO REASON. That's all this documentary ever focuses on. And what's worst of all is that they can't even explain WHY they are fighting!You have a kid who rants about how everyone is a "poser because they're wimpy" and when asked about why he is so angry: He replies that he DOESN'T KNOW. >_> The very definition of braindead. How can you possibly NOT know why you're angry!? It's like he's never even bothered to develop an advanced thought in his entire life and never even bothers with self-reflection.I really hate the notion that punk people are supposed to be dumb drug addicts. It's an awful stereotype that this movie tries to put across as a general truth. And what makes it worse is all the other reviews talking about how this is "TRUE PUNK ROCK". It's not. It's a dilution of Sid Vicious and it's annoying to watch.Punk isn't about teenage angst and beer. It's about making the world a better place while living for yourself.

Today it is hard to understand the subcultural magnificence of punk. But watching this film makes me feel if only for a moment what punk really is. I wasn't even born when this documentary was made and only saw it about a yr ago. I had been detached from the punk scene and after seeing Penelope's Speeris's masterpiece I got that same rush I get when watching one of my favorite 70's punk bands do a set in the run down old attic club I used to frequent in my early teens. Those of you who choose to look down on the punk world, do not understand it. Not everything has to make perfect sense to everyone but this documentary deserves the respect it has earned for portraying an overlooked generation so perfectly.

The One and the Only!The only really good description of the punk movement in the LA in the early 80's. Also, the definitive documentary about legendary bands like the Black Flag and the X. Mainstream Americans' repugnant views about this film are absolutely hilarious! How can music be SO diversive in a country of supposed liberty...even 20 years after...find out!

First off, let it be known that I came into this movie not for the music; actually I find it repugnant. Really, I was interested in the psychology of the punk subculture. On this point, the documentary did fairly well. One disagreeable aspect was the numerous scenes in which songs are played and the hyped-up band and belligerent crowd are shown running amok. If you've seen the first such scene, you've seen them all. This superfluity is party made up for by printing lyrics for some of the songs. With these, the audience is able to somewhat connect mentally with the band. The lyrics are of far more interest than the jumble of sounds projecting from the speakers. I don't know why all the lyrics were not printed. Scenes without lyrics slow (ironic eh?, given the many references to the speed of the music) the flow of the movie. Also insightful were the interviews with fans and bands, though there is a letdown when the latter band's interviews prove to be not nearly as enthralling or humorous as the first two. Overall, a good movie that I'm glad I saw. I'll check out the follow-ups if I ever get a chance.Favorite quote: He tried to hide the fact that he couldn't play by rubbing peanut butter over himself and breaking glass. Broad punk generalization: Though their disgracefulness, lack of vocabulary and hygiene, and drug-induced obliviousness is often hilarious, in the end it is understood that punks are just pathetic juveniles who rebel just for the sake of rebellion as seen through sophomoric lyrics and naive attempts to philosophize and politicize (disregarding Black Flag, who are slightly less misguided than their peers).