White Riot

Q: Where can I stream White Riot?

You can stream White Riot on: Apple TV Store, Amazon Store, Fandango at Home, Tubi, Pluto TV and Fawesome

DocumentaryMusic

2020, Movie, 1h 20min

Britain, late-1970s. Punk is exploding. The country is deeply divided over immigration. The National Front, a far-right and fascist political party, is gaining strength as politicians like Enoch Powell push a xenophobic agenda. Outraged by a racist speech from Eric Clapton, music photographer Red Saunders writes a letter to the music press, calling for rock to be a force against racism. NME, Melody Maker, and Sounds all publish the letter. Flooded with responses, Red discovers many share his views. Teaming up with like-minded creatives Roger Huddle, Kate Webb, Syd Shelton and Australian graphic designer Ruth Gregory, the team bands together to create Rock Against Racism (RAR) and a fanzine, Temporary Hoarding. Speaking directly to the youth, Temporary Hoarding reports stories and issues that the mainstream British media ignores, like immigration, the Catholic side of the Northern Ireland conflict, and the police’s controversial “suspected persons” (sus) powers. They give a voice to the voiceless. The National Front begins to strike back, committing acts of violence against RAR supporters and petrol-bombing their HQ. Despite this, RAR spreads virally across the UK and into Europe, becoming a grassroots youth movement. The Clash, Steel Pulse, Tom Robinson and other top bands of the day jump on board. White Riot is a moment in time when music changed the world. When a generation challenged the status quo. It’s Woodstock meets the March on Washington, punk-style.

Country: United Kingdom

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Ratings

Your rating: 1

IMDb rating

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7.2

Critic rating

Average critic rating

8.0

Reviews

Critic Tim Stegall

rated

...insightfully and vividly details RAR’s reclamation of young Britain’s soul.

Read full review at The Austin Chronicle

Critic Simran Hans

rated

...smart, spirited feature debut...

Read full review at The Guardian

Critic Peter Bradshaw

rated

An excellent brief documentary about a heroic grassroots political movement whose importance reveals itself more clearly in retrospect with every year that passes.

Read full review at The Guardian

Critic Roger Moore

rated

There’s little nostalgia from the fresh interviews collected here, and plenty of fire in the vintage ones.

Read full review at Movie Nation

Critic Alistair Lawrence

rated

...a triumphant but cautionary tale, with a pretty good soundtrack, too.

Read full review at Common Sense Media

Critic Adam Woodward

rated

Just as beats were used to fight bigotry, it’s good to see film being used to the same ends today.

Read full review at Little White Lies

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Frequently asked questions

What is White Riot about? Toggle content

In the late 1970s, Britain was torn apart by racism and xenophobia. The National Front, a far-right party, was on the rise, and even respected musicians like Eric Clapton were making racist statements. But then, a group of young people decided to fight back. They formed Rock Against Racism, a movement that used music to spread a message of unity and equality. With the help of bands like The Clash and Steel Pulse, RAR quickly grew into a powerful force, inspiring thousands of young people to stand up against racism and discrimination. White Riot is the story of this movement, a moment in time when music changed the world and a generation challenged the status quo. It's a tale of rebellion, courage, and the power of music to bring people together.

Where can I stream White Riot? Toggle content

You can stream White Riot on: Apple TV Store Amazon Store Fandango at Home Tubi Pluto TV Fawesome