MC5: A True Testimonial

2002
7.9| 2h0m| NR| en| More Info
Released: 02 February 2002 Released
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Synopsis

This documentary, made over a period of eight years, tells the remarkable story of an extremely influential rock'n'roll band. Starting from their mid-60's garage band roots (sounding amazingly like the Sonics), the Motor City 5 deveoped into an icon for a brand of loud, crushing music reflecting their industrial roots. Even if you don't care for their music (and you're bound to like even a few of their songs), their story is fascinating. It combines 60's protest, youthful braggadocio, and a style of music that would help carry one to the likes of Iggy and the Stooges (not to mention certain aspects of punk rock). This film is clearly a labor of love, combining extraordinarily rare live shows, still shots, a nearly-continuous backdrop of MC5 tunes, penetrating interviews with the remaining members and their spouses, and even FBI surveillance shots. It's the ultimate testimonial to a band that only gains in stature as time goes on.

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Reviews

CheerupSilver Very Cool!!!
ManiakJiggy This is How Movies Should Be Made
Jeanskynebu the audience applauded
Anoushka Slater While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.
moebius1900 Brilliant movie! If you were ever interested in the subtle--or sometimes not so subtle--interplay between music, politics and zeitgeist, watch this. We get to see how suburban high school friends develop a vision, how their vision is shattered and ultimately destroyed--partly because of the big evil Wolf music-industry, partly because these musicians weren't able neither to be Little Red Riding Hood nor hunters. Rather something in between, like most of us. The dialectics in this film are not to be dismissed: it features great music, revealing interviews and thinking people behind the camera. Excellent!
Ken Olson This is an excellent film that should be seen by all fans of rock music, as you will find the source of the roots of much of what is good in today's rock music. This is the best story you will get about the mighty MC5 and the working class kids that refused to become factory rats in the Motor City. The political stance matched the politics of the times and the political intensity matched the intensity of the music. Unfortunately, the flame of the NC5 burned bright, but fast. The in-fighting and controversy that marked the end of the 5 has spilled over on this film. If the court cases ever get resolved, we may yet see the legitimate release of this fine documentary - but don't hold your breath.
freealonzo Forget the fact that this documentary has your typical "rock band" story arc: friends start band, band gets big, band takes drugs, band declines artistically, band breaks-up, 30 years later band fondly recalls the fun times and laments the bad.Forget the fact that this movie painstakingly recounts those heady days of revolution, street riots, and domestic political oppression.Forget the fact that this movie makes us believe that the MC5 is just as relevant today as they were 30 plus years ago.Forget the fact that you get to meet such timeless characters as Wayne Kramer, Fred "Sonic" Smith, Rob Tyner, John Sinclair and the White Panther Party, among many many others.Forget the fact that you'll get to see this band live in concert, the Grande Ballroom in its glory, and the battle for Michigan Avenue.Forget all the that because the reason you will want to see this great documentary is because the music just kills!! We are talking almost 2 hours of pure MC5 MF'en jam kickin' folks.A true testimonial indeed!
poikkeus This documentary, made over a period of eight years, tells the remarkable story of an extremely influential rock'n'roll band. Starting from their mid-60's garage band roots (sounding amazingly like the Sonics), the Motor City 5 deveoped into an icon for a brand of loud, crushing music reflecting their industrial roots. Even if you don't care for their music (and you're bound to like even a few of their songs), their story is fascinating. It combines 60's protest, youthful braggadocio, and a style of music that would help carry one to the likes of Iggy and the Stooges (not to mention certain aspects of punk rock). This film is clearly a labor of love, combining extraordinarily rare live shows, still shots, a nearly-continuous backdrop of MC5 tunes, penetrating interviews with the remaining members and their spouses, and even FBI surveillance shots. It's the ultimate testimonial to a band that only gains in stature as time goes on.