MC5: A True Testimonial (2002)

Overrated

Instant Favorite.

Amazing worth wacthing. So good. Biased but well made with many good points.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

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!

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.

This is one of my 10 favorite films of all time. In the "truth is stranger than fiction" vein, this documentary was more like a narrated movie for me. The MC5 was your stereotypical 60's band that imploded due to various abuses. The stories range from hysterical to tragic. The Greek tragedy continues, as apparently the filmmaker and wayne kramer are at odds over rights to the film. The public is being denied a 4 star DVD with hours of deleted footage from some rock 'n roll greats giving testimonials on the MC5's influence. It amazes me that this movie got no fanfare at the academy awards for best documentary - proving what a sham the academy is. For classic rock fans and punk fans, this is a must see - if the DVD ever sees the light of day.

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.