Watch The Punk Singer

The Punk Singer is a 2013 documentary film directed by Sini Anderson that tells the story of Kathleen Hanna, the lead singer of the punk bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre. The film follows Hanna's life from her childhood in Portland, Oregon, to her rise to fame in the 1990s as the frontwoman for Bikini Kill and her later work with Le Tigre. It also covers her struggles with illness, including Lyme disease, and her decision to take a break from music in 2005.

The movie features interviews with Hanna's friends and colleagues in the music industry, including Carrie Brownstein of Sleater-Kinney, Joan Jett, and Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth. These interviews, along with archival footage of Hanna and her bands, paint a vivid picture of the riot grrrl movement that Hanna helped to create in the early 90s. This movement was a feminist punk movement that focused on empowering young women and promoting a DIY ethos.

Throughout the film, we see how Hanna's music and activism were intertwined. She used her platform as a musician to advocate for social justice and feminist causes, which made her a lightning rod for both praise and criticism. Hanna was often the target of sexist and misogynistic attacks, but she remained committed to her message and continued to speak out against injustices.

One of the strengths of The Punk Singer is how it humanizes Hanna, showing her as a complex and flawed person rather than just an icon or a symbol. The film explores her struggles with mental health, including her diagnosis with bipolar disorder, and her decision to take a break from music. It also touches on her relationships, including her marriage to fellow musician Adam Horovitz of the Beastie Boys.

Another strength of the film is how it captures the energy and intensity of Hanna's performances. The archival footage of Bikini Kill shows the band's raw power and the way they connected with their audience. The footage of Le Tigre's shows is similarly electrifying, showcasing the band's playful and irreverent style.

The Punk Singer is not just a film about one person, but a broader exploration of the punk and riot grrrl movements and their impact on popular culture. The movie features interviews with musicians who were inspired by Hanna and her bands, such as Tavi Gevinson and Beth Ditto, as well as scholars who provide context and analysis for the cultural moment that spawned these movements.

Overall, The Punk Singer is a powerful and engaging documentary that tells the story of a pioneering musician and activist, while also providing insight into the broader cultural forces that shaped her. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in punk, feminism, or the DIY ethos, and it serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Kathleen Hanna and the riot grrrl movement.

The Punk Singer is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 75.