Watch Crossfire Hurricane

Crossfire Hurricane is a documentary film released in 2012 that explores the meteoric rise of the iconic rock band The Rolling Stones. Directed by Brett Morgen, the film draws upon the archives of the band and focuses on their formative years from the early 1960s to the tragedies and triumphs they faced in the late 1960s. The movie begins with the formation of the band, when Mick Jagger and Keith Richards reunited in a train station in the early 1960s. From there, we see how these two young musicians hit it off and started to make music together. The film explores the band's early gigs in London and their rapid rise to fame, including how they started playing the blues and were heavily influenced by other musicians of the time.

One of the strengths of the movie is the way it combines interviews with the band members with archive footage and music. We get to hear from the band members themselves, including Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, as they recount their experiences and memories of their time in the band. This makes the film feel intimate and authentic, as we get a sense of the personalities and relationships that drove the band forward.

The film doesn't shy away from some of the more difficult moments in the band's history, either. We see footage of the infamous Altamont concert, which ended in violence and the death of a young man. It's a heartbreaking reminder of the dark side of rock'n'roll, and the pressures and expectations that came with being one of the biggest bands in the world.

But there are also moments of joy, humor, and camaraderie in the film. We see the Stones on tour, interacting with fans and each other, and performing some of their biggest hits. There's a sense of playfulness and mischief to the band's early years, and the movie captures that spirit well.

Another strength of the film is its use of music. The Rolling Stones were, of course, known for their music, and the movie features plenty of it. We hear early hits like "As Tears Go By" and "Time Is on My Side," as well as later classics like "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Sympathy for the Devil." The film shows how the band's sound evolved over time, and how they incorporated new influences and styles.

Overall, Crossfire Hurricane is an engaging and insightful look at one of the most important bands in the history of rock music. The film does an excellent job of immersing us in the world of the Stones, and providing a sense of what it was like to be a part of that world. Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman are all effective storytellers, and the film is a testament to their enduring legacy. Whether you're a die-hard Stones fan or simply interested in the history of rock music, this is a film that's well worth watching.

Crossfire Hurricane is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.