Watch Free To Rock

Free To Rock is a documentary film directed by Jim Brown that explores the power of rock and roll as a tool of political and cultural influence. The film takes viewers on a journey through the Cold War era, highlighting the ways in which rock music served as a unifying force between young people in the West and the Soviet Union. Narrated by Kiefer Sutherland, the film tells the story of how rock and roll went from being viewed as a threatening form of Western decadence to a means of breaking down cultural barriers between East and West. Featuring interviews with some of the biggest names in rock history, including Elvis Costello, Billy Joel, and Bono, Free To Rock paints a vivid picture of the power that rock music has to bring people together.

The film begins by introducing viewers to the political climate of the Cold War era. The Soviet Union was seen as a looming threat to the West, and tensions between the two sides were high. The idea of cultural exchange was seen as a potential way to ease these tensions, and rock music was identified as a possible common ground.

At first, however, the idea of rock music in the Soviet Union was met with skepticism and even hostility. The film explores the initial resistance to rock music in Soviet society and the ways in which it was seen as a threat to the country's cultural traditions. Interviews with musicians and music experts shed light on the ways in which rock music was able to overcome these initial barriers and find a place in the Soviet Union.

As the film progresses, it becomes clear that rock music was not just a tool of cultural exchange between the West and the Soviet Union, but a means of political expression for young people across the world. The film highlights the ways in which rock and roll was used as a means of protest against repressive regimes in places like Czechoslovakia and East Germany.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Free To Rock is the way in which it shows how rock music was used to unite people across disparate cultures and geographic regions. Through interviews with musicians and fans from countries as diverse as Cuba, Zambia, and Pakistan, the film shows how rock music became a universal language that transcended borders and political boundaries.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to archival footage of some of the greatest rock performances of all time. From the Beatles to the Rolling Stones, the film showcases the iconic moments in rock history that helped to bring people together and inspire political change.

The film also explores the ways in which rock and roll continues to be a force for change in the world today. Interviews with contemporary musicians like Krist Novoselic of Nirvana and Mike McCready of Pearl Jam show how rock music still has the power to inspire and unite people across cultures and generations.

Overall, Free To Rock is a powerful and inspiring documentary that celebrates the power of rock music to bring people together and effect real change in the world. Featuring a compelling narrative, stunning archival footage, and insightful interviews with some of the most iconic figures in rock history, the film is a must-watch for anyone who has ever been moved by the power of music.

Free To Rock is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.