Watch Jubilee

Jubilee is a unique and eclectic film from 1978 that captures the essence of punk rock and its counter-culture movement. Directed by Derek Jarman, the film takes place in a dystopian version of London in which Queen Elizabeth I has been transported to the present day to witness the state of the world. The film stars Adam Ant, Richard O'Brien, and Ian Charleson, among others.

The story follows a group of nihilistic punks who roam the streets of London, causing havoc and destruction wherever they go. They are led by the charismatic and enigmatic Borgia Ginz, played by O'Brien, who declares that he wants to overthrow the government and create a new world order. Along the way, they encounter a number of other colourful characters, including a time-traveler named Amyl Nitrate, played by Jordan, and a young woman named Angel, played by Jenny Runacre.

As the punks move through the city, they destroy buildings, spray graffiti, and engage in other acts of rebellion. However, when they enter a mysterious house owned by Ginz, they are transported back in time to the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Jubilee is a movie that is difficult to categorize. It is part punk rock documentary, part science fiction, and part historical drama. However, it all adds up to a unique and thought-provoking film that remains relevant even today.

One of the most interesting aspects of Jubilee is its portrayal of the punk rock scene in London during the late 1970s. The movie captures the raw energy and anger of the movement, as well as the nihilistic attitude that characterized many of its adherents. However, the film also shows how the punk scene was a reaction to the oppressive political and social climate of the time. Through the character of Amyl Nitrate, the movie suggests that punk rock was a way for people to escape from the drudgery of their everyday lives and express their anger and frustration.

Another compelling element of Jubilee is its use of time travel to explore the themes of nostalgia and the passage of time. The film suggests that, even in the midst of rebellion and revolution, people are always looking back to a supposed "golden age" of the past. In the case of Jubilee, this is Britain during the reign of Elizabeth I. However, the movie also suggests that nostalgia is ultimately futile, and that the future is always going to be unpredictable and chaotic.

Jubilee is a film that is not afraid to take risks, and it is not afraid to be controversial. This is particularly evident in the character of Borgia Ginz, who is both the charismatic leader of the punks and a ruthless murderer. O'Brien's performance is both hypnotic and chilling, and his songs, which he performs throughout the movie, are haunting and memorable.

Another standout performance in the movie is by Jenny Runacre, who plays Angel, a young woman who is both drawn to and repelled by the actions of the punks. Runacre is particularly effective in the scenes in which she interacts with the time-traveler Amyl Nitrate, and their conversations are some of the most interesting and thought-provoking in the film.

Overall, Jubilee is a movie that defies categorization. It is a punk rock movie, a science fiction movie, a historical drama, and a meditation on the passage of time and the futility of nostalgia. At its heart, however, it is a film about rebellion and revolution, and it remains relevant and powerful even today. With its unforgettable characters, evocative soundtrack, and dynamic visuals, Jubilee is a film that deserves to be seen by all fans of punk rock and counter-culture cinema.

Jubilee is a 1978 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 79.