Babylon [Blu-ray]

"Babylon" was part of a spate of movies made in the late 1970's and early 1980's which tried to put music on the big screen, making something to appeal to young people and also portray something contemporary. Whilst "Quadrophenia" seemed oddly dated and "Breaking Glass" a little cliched, "Babylon" manages to pull off most of its ambitions as this most welcome release on DVD testifies.

The film follows the fortunes of Blue - played by Brinsley Forde, the lead singer of Aswad who was a child star of the TV series "The Double Deckers" for those with a long enough memory - and his friends who are the Ital Lion soundsystem. The film documents the time up to a big soundclash between the Lion soundsystem and their rivals the Jah Shaka system - featuring DJ Jah Shaka himself. As events unfold Blue's life slowly hits a downward spiral.

Whilst, at times, the events of Blue's descent seem a little predictable this doesn't detract and is a minor criticism of what is a well paced, decently acted and well shot film. It is fascinating to see London, chiefly Lewisham, in such a deshevelled state. There is a lot of rubble and a grey hue to the place which suits the mood well. Support comes from a varitey of young black talent much of which has gone on to become fixtures on British TV.

Despite the tight budget this film has many highlights. It tackles the issue of racism unflinchingly and the scenes of abuse and brutality have a shocking power which still seems relevant today. The racism here is open, almost brazen, and one still feels uncomfortable watching it.

The other star of the show is the music which picks a few reggae gems and has a great original soundtrack composed by Dennis Bovell - surely one of the most unheralded sonic pioneers of his generation. It capturing the moment when dub started to head towards the electronic and it is a treat from the first rhythm to the last rumbling reverb.

Cited by serious minded critics as one of the best British films of the 80's this DVD gives the chance to see for yourself. Although not utterly perfect this is a fine film and the only real pity is that it didn't open the floodgates for more films like this. You can judge for yourself, but I'm siding with the critics in welcoming back this forgotten gem of a film.

Franco Rosso's 1979 film stars Aswad founder Brinsley Forde as disenfranchised DJ `Blue'. Poverty, institutionalised racism, violence and disaffection with life for a young black musician in the UK in the late 70s are the core themes of the movie, and Forde's assured acting supported by future `Brushstrokes' star Karl Howman and drug dealer Trevor Laird makes this a powerful film of its time as well as an important and timeless social comment.

There are some good DVD extras on here too; there is a Babylon commentary track featuring producer Gavrik Losey, lead actor Brinsley Forde, so-writer Martin Stellman and director Franco Rosso. Having this much aural input usually ends in chaos, but not here. With perfect manners and a delicate sensibility towards any suggestion of memory loss, they don't talk over each other and actually have an impressive amount of recollections considering so much time has passed since the film was made. Amongst other anecdotes we learn that although set in Brixton, most of the film was shot in Deptford and Lewisham.

It is an understatement to say that Babylon was before its time. Despite not being well received by a guilty and shamed society, the film did its part in helping Lord Scarman to stamp out police racism and sits proudly in the BFI's annals as a modern classic.

Set in the early 80s this film tells the story of a bunch of young black adults trying to run a successful sound system & culminates in a Battle of Sound Systems.

The film features a soundtrack of roots type reggae, mostly from Asward & is presented very clearly despite the films age.

Some of the dialogue can be a little hard to follow but that's not the sound - that's the West Indian accents !!

The picture too is generally good although a bit grainy in parts.

Although this is about music & winning the competition, the real enjoyment comes in seeing this film as a record of social history - what it was like to be black in the 80s; the casual racism of working class white people, the violence on the streets & from the police & the 'interesting' fashions of the time!

This includes big locks sometimes hidden by bigger hats, authoritarian parents & young people tying to make a go of things.

Look out for a short piece from Mel Smith as the racist garage owner some of the gang work for, Brinsley Forde one time of the Double Deckers kids programme & Victor Romeo Evans a well known black cult comedian.

The film ends with the police breaking up the blues party but the toaster still defiantly playing the music.

A film to watch if you know who Janet Kay/Asward are & have ever enjoyed curry goat in a damp church hall at someone's wedding reception!