Watch 1991: The Year Punk Broke

1991: The Year Punk Broke is a documentary film directed by Dave Markey that captures the energy and spirit of the punk rock movement in the early 1990s. The film showcases Sonic Youth, one of the most influential and innovative bands of the time, as they embark on a tour of Europe with a host of other punk rockers. The film captures the raw, unbridled energy of the punk rock scene through concert footage, behind-the-scenes moments, and interviews with the musicians. Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon and Lee Ranaldo take center stage as they provide insight into their music and the punk rock ethos.

Throughout the film, we see Sonic Youth in their element, performing on stage to raucous crowds while tourmates like Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr., and Babes in Toyland share their own brand of punk rock fury. The concert footage is electrifying, capturing the frenetic energy of these shows and the passionate fans that attended them.

Beyond the performances, the film delves into the personalities and relationships within the punk rock scene. We see the musicians as they navigate the ups and downs of touring, dealing with everything from equipment malfunctions to personal conflicts. We also get a glimpse at the band members' lives off stage, including their hobbies, friends, and personal interests.

One of the standout moments of the film is a scene where Sonic Youth takes a break from their tour to visit the grave of legendary punk rocker Iggy Pop. The band members pay their respects and reflect on the impact that Iggy had on their music and the punk rock movement as a whole.

Throughout the film, Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon emerges as a compelling and charismatic figure. Her interviews provide insight into the creative process that went into Sonic Youth's music, and her on-stage presence is nothing short of captivating. She is a force to be reckoned with both on and off stage, and her contributions to the punk rock scene are felt throughout the film.

Overall, 1991: The Year Punk Broke is a powerful and immersive documentary that captures the raw energy and passion of the punk rock movement in the early 1990s. The film provides a window into the lives and personalities of some of the most influential musicians of the time, showcasing their music, relationships, and unique worldviews. It's a must-watch for fans of punk rock and anyone interested in the cultural upheavals of the early 1990s.

1991: The Year Punk Broke is a 1992 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.