Watch This Ain't California

This Ain't California is a documentary-style film that explores the underground skateboarding scene in East Berlin during the 1980s. Directed by Marten Persiel, the film takes a nostalgic look back at a period of time when skateboarding was more than just a sport; it was a lifestyle and a form of rebellion for the young people in communist East Germany.

The film centers around three friends - Nico, Dirk, and Denis - who are passionate skateboarders. They spend their days practicing their tricks and exploring the city, all while trying to avoid the authorities who view skateboarding as a dangerous and anti-social activity. Throughout the film, we see the trio grow and develop, both as skateboarders and as individuals.

While the film does feature some impressive skateboarding footage, it's not just a movie about the sport. Instead, This Ain't California uses skateboarding as a way to explore themes of youth culture, rebellion, and the power of friendship. Through the stories of Nico, Dirk, and Denis, we see how important it was for young people in East Germany to find their own ways of expressing themselves and pushing back against the oppressive government.

One of the most interesting things about This Ain't California is the way it blends fictional elements with real-life footage and interviews. The film opens with an animated sequence that tells the story of a fictional skateboarder named Panik, who supposedly invented many of the tricks that we know today. As the film progresses, we see real footage of Nico, Dirk, Denis, and others skating, as well as interviews with people who were part of the scene at the time.

At times, it can be difficult to tell what's real and what's not in This Ain't California, and that's part of what makes it such an intriguing and captivating film. By blurring the lines between fact and fiction, the movie creates a dream-like atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and surreal.

Another notable aspect of the film is its use of music. The soundtrack features a mix of punk, post-punk, and new wave music that perfectly captures the rebellious spirit of the skateboarding subculture. Songs by bands like Joy Division, The Cure, and New Order help set the tone for the film and give it an unmistakably 80s vibe.

Despite its focus on skateboarding and youth culture, This Ain't California also delves into some serious and heavy subject matter. The film touches on issues such as the impact of the Berlin Wall on people's lives, the dangers of censorship and government control, and the sometimes deadly consequences of rebellion. But despite the weight of these topics, the film manages to maintain a sense of fun and energy throughout.

Overall, This Ain't California is a unique and engaging documentary-style film that offers a fascinating glimpse into a relatively unknown subculture. By combining real-life footage with fictional elements and a killer soundtrack, the movie creates a mood that's nostalgic, dreamy, and rebellious all at once. If you're looking for a movie that's both thought-provoking and fun, This Ain't California is definitely worth checking out.

This Ain't California is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 76.