Director:
Frank Pavich
Studio/Production Company:
Velebit Productions
Genre:
Documentary
Sub-Genre:
Music/Concert
Length:
Feature
Website:
http://www.myspace.com/nyhcdocumentary
Score:
4/5
As if the original 1995 version of this near classic film that captures the spirit, energy, and philosophy of movers and shakers in the New York City hardcore music scene wasn’t enough, this new two disc DVD release ices the already tasty cake with a series of “where are they now” interviews with the main subjects of the initial production, 25 ta Life, Freddy Madball, Roger Miret and others.
To even think of the film as a mere concert documentary would be a great disservice to those involved on both sides of the camera. “N.Y.H.C” is about the rise, glory years and, if not exactly the “fall” then the maturation –perish the thought- of the scene, the music to be sure but also the motivations, inspirations and musings of the people who made the music and the people who came to see it performed with rabid loyalty.
With exceptionally well shot material from the underground spots where the bands played and insightful, candid interviews, N.Y.H.C. is a testament to the passion and fire and feelings of these people and this lifestyle as they aim to define what hardcore is, what it was at the height of the movement as depicted on the first disc here.
While the film might initially seem like a “by the people, for the people” celebration of the scene, the lifestyle and the philosophy that they already know, love and live by it can also serve as an utterly fascinating slice of life anthropological study, a look into a distinctly underground sub-culture of people who the average civilian might see on the street and not understand. The film explicitly explores the question of how the hardcore world might be different from the world of punk rock with which it shares some cultural lineage. Energetic, eye-opening and engaging, “N.Y.H.C.” might not be for everyone though anyone who does not see it is really missing out on a captivating cultural document.
Frank Pavich
Studio/Production Company:
Velebit Productions
Genre:
Documentary
Sub-Genre:
Music/Concert
Length:
Feature
Website:
http://www.myspace.com/nyhcdocumentary
Score:
4/5
As if the original 1995 version of this near classic film that captures the spirit, energy, and philosophy of movers and shakers in the New York City hardcore music scene wasn’t enough, this new two disc DVD release ices the already tasty cake with a series of “where are they now” interviews with the main subjects of the initial production, 25 ta Life, Freddy Madball, Roger Miret and others.
To even think of the film as a mere concert documentary would be a great disservice to those involved on both sides of the camera. “N.Y.H.C” is about the rise, glory years and, if not exactly the “fall” then the maturation –perish the thought- of the scene, the music to be sure but also the motivations, inspirations and musings of the people who made the music and the people who came to see it performed with rabid loyalty.
With exceptionally well shot material from the underground spots where the bands played and insightful, candid interviews, N.Y.H.C. is a testament to the passion and fire and feelings of these people and this lifestyle as they aim to define what hardcore is, what it was at the height of the movement as depicted on the first disc here.
While the film might initially seem like a “by the people, for the people” celebration of the scene, the lifestyle and the philosophy that they already know, love and live by it can also serve as an utterly fascinating slice of life anthropological study, a look into a distinctly underground sub-culture of people who the average civilian might see on the street and not understand. The film explicitly explores the question of how the hardcore world might be different from the world of punk rock with which it shares some cultural lineage. Energetic, eye-opening and engaging, “N.Y.H.C.” might not be for everyone though anyone who does not see it is really missing out on a captivating cultural document.
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