Watch Barbershop Punk

Barbershop Punk is a thought-provoking documentary film released in 2010 that highlights the importance of net neutrality in today's world of ever-increasing internet usage. The film was directed by Georgia Sugimura Archer and Kristin Armfield and stars well-known personalities such as Janeane Garofalo, Henry Rollins, and Wes Armstrong.

The opening scene of the movie Barbershop Punk shows us two young kids playing outside a barbershop in Washington DC, where the owner of the shop, Robb Topolski, plies his trade. Robb is seen talking to the kids, explaining the workings of the internet, and how it has made our lives easier. However, he warns them about a new phenomenon known as 'throttling,' which allows internet service providers (ISPs) to limit the speed of their customers' internet connection based on certain criteria. This conversation sets the tone for the rest of the movie, raising important questions about the future of the internet and net neutrality.

The film follows Robb Topolski, who is also a musician, as he fights against Comcast, one of the largest ISPs in the United States, for throttling his internet connection. Robb vigorously protests this on the basis of net neutrality- the idea that all data on the internet should be treated equally and not given preference or discrimination based on content type or source.

The film focuses on the plight of ordinary people like Robb, whose internet usage is severely affected because of the ISPs' desire to boost their profits. Topolski, in his barbershop, becomes the central point where many people come to discuss and take action on the sensitive issue of net neutrality.

Robb's fight against Comcast leads him to Washington DC, where he is invited to testify before Congress about his work as a network engineer and also his musical career. He narrates his fight against Comcast, which has brought him face to face with the realities of a system that is rigged against the underprivileged.

Barbershop Punk wisely includes a host of experts in the field of technology, civil rights, and journalism. They all pitch in with their insights and experiences to paint a clear picture of the nefarious attempts of ISPs to discriminate against customers for their own profit.

The documentary provides the viewer with an informative and gripping experience, with the added bonus of a musical dimension. Robb's love for music takes us to several concerts, including one featuring punk legend Henry Rollins, who speaks candidly on his experience with the internet and the role it has played in his career.

Barbershop Punk is a perfectly crafted film, which seeks to grab the viewers' attention by discussing an issue which they may not have been aware of before. The directors of the documentary wrap up the documentary with Robb's fight against Comcast, which makes the contention that the fight against sweeping changes in net neutrality is not just about regulations, but also about freedom.

As the credits roll, the viewer is left with a sense of urgency and responsibility to preserve the basic tenets of net neutrality as a means of protecting individuals' freedom of speech and expression. The last scene of the documentary captures the essence of the film, as we see a group of young activists, who come together in Robb's Washington, DC barbershop, holding a concert to save the internet.

Barbershop Punk is, without a doubt, an essential and educational documentary. It provides an engaging and thought-provoking perspective on the internet, with a focus on the need for increased public awareness and activism around net neutrality. The directors and cast flawlessly portray their arguments, taking the viewer on a roller coaster of emotions, from anger to hope to determination.

In conclusion, Barbershop Punk goes well beyond merely documenting Robb Topolski's personal experiences. The documentary manages to make significant revelations about the harms caused by net neutrality violations. The film serves as a wake-up call for all of us to come together to protect the rights we cherish in the age of rapidly increasing digitalization. It's a brilliant piece of work that is not to be missed by anyone who is interested in issues of free speech, internet freedom, and democracy.

Barbershop Punk is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 57.