- Note: Blu-ray discs are in a high definition format and need to be played on a Blu-ray player. To find out more about Blu-ray, visit our Hi-Def Learn & Shop store.
- Important Information on Firmware Updates: Having trouble with your Blu-ray disc player? Will certain discs just not play? You may need to update the firmware inside your player. Click here to learn more.
Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Reviews
Product Description
Powerful portrayal of life for West Indian youths in London in the early 1980s. DJ for Brixton reggae sound system 'Ital Lion Sound', Blue (Brinsley Forde) is getting ready for the local sound system showdown with rival crew, Jah Shaka. But as the day of the competition approaches, Blue suddenly sees his life falling apart. After losing his job, he's beaten up by the police on a trumped-up charge, and then discovers that all of his sound equipment has been destroyed by local white residents, hostile to his music. Tired of having to deal with the constant daily pressures of racial-hatred and intolerance, Blue finally decides to take matters into his own hands, and strikes out at his oppressors.
Product Description
Karl Howman, Brinsley Forde, Mel SmithDirector: Franco Rosso
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful
By pjr
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
"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.... Read more ›
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.... Read more ›
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
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.
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.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
A Kid's Review
Format:DVD
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!
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!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is a cult film of the 80's.If you are black and born in the late sixties this film represents what we were going through in our teen years.
The turbulent, and sometimes violent 80'S are apparent in this film.
The dub and bass lines were the backbone of the numerous sound systems up and down the UK. Aswad's Warrior Charge at the end lays testament to the reggae movement of our past.
The turbulent, and sometimes violent 80'S are apparent in this film.
The dub and bass lines were the backbone of the numerous sound systems up and down the UK. Aswad's Warrior Charge at the end lays testament to the reggae movement of our past.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. Patrick A. Harrington
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
Babylon [DVD] [1980]
This is a hard hitting film. I grew up near Brixton (in Kennington) where parts of the film are set. The South London (Deptford, Lewisham and Brixton) it is set in is a bleak dystopia. Babylon is a film with a message. Babylon explores issues of cultural identity, and of cultural preservation.
Our Hero is MC Blue (Aswad's Brinsley Forde). He is not having an easy time of it - sacked by his racist boss(Mel Smith), two-timed by his girlfriend, beaten up by plain-clothes police, seeing his sound system is smashed up and on the run. The film finishes with a posse of policemen smashing down the doors at the semi-finals of a sound competition. As the Police sledghammer the door to the beat Aswad's 'Warrior Charge' booms out:-
"Four hundred years it's the same kind of living/Pain and misery all that Babylon is giving/I can't take no more of that, no I can't take no more of that"
The end is defiant but also conveys a sense of overwhelming despair. It's not difficult to identify with Blue given the problems he faces but it is hard to sympathise with him. He consistently makes all the wrong choices faced with racism and police harassment (not confined to Black people as I remember!).
The dialogue is great. My favourite is when Beefy (Trevor Laird) is told that "this was a lovely area before you came here," and retorts "This IS my country, lady and it's never been lovely, it's always been a tip for as long as I can remember."
It was co-written by Martin Stellman (writer of Quadrophenia) and Franco Rosso who also directed it and starred Brinsley Forde, Karl Howman and Trevor Laird. Music was scored by Dennis Bovell.... Read more ›
This is a hard hitting film. I grew up near Brixton (in Kennington) where parts of the film are set. The South London (Deptford, Lewisham and Brixton) it is set in is a bleak dystopia. Babylon is a film with a message. Babylon explores issues of cultural identity, and of cultural preservation.
Our Hero is MC Blue (Aswad's Brinsley Forde). He is not having an easy time of it - sacked by his racist boss(Mel Smith), two-timed by his girlfriend, beaten up by plain-clothes police, seeing his sound system is smashed up and on the run. The film finishes with a posse of policemen smashing down the doors at the semi-finals of a sound competition. As the Police sledghammer the door to the beat Aswad's 'Warrior Charge' booms out:-
"Four hundred years it's the same kind of living/Pain and misery all that Babylon is giving/I can't take no more of that, no I can't take no more of that"
The end is defiant but also conveys a sense of overwhelming despair. It's not difficult to identify with Blue given the problems he faces but it is hard to sympathise with him. He consistently makes all the wrong choices faced with racism and police harassment (not confined to Black people as I remember!).
The dialogue is great. My favourite is when Beefy (Trevor Laird) is told that "this was a lovely area before you came here," and retorts "This IS my country, lady and it's never been lovely, it's always been a tip for as long as I can remember."
It was co-written by Martin Stellman (writer of Quadrophenia) and Franco Rosso who also directed it and starred Brinsley Forde, Karl Howman and Trevor Laird. Music was scored by Dennis Bovell.... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great movie
This movie is highly recommended to all.Great classic, one for the collection can be watched over and over, Good quality in blu ray.
Published 15 days ago by I R Holas
4.0 out of 5 stars
Babylon dvd
Exactly what my friend wanted, delivery arrived within a week. Would have got 5 stars but the button holding dvd in box was broken so it won't stay in place in the box.
Published 1 month ago by Julie. E .Green
5.0 out of 5 stars
babylon
my dads a big reggie fan , and he was impressed with this dvd , thanks again for making my dad happy !!!
Published 2 months ago by angelabeggs
5.0 out of 5 stars
brings me back to a different era
I love this film.
It deals with the issues of that time but also shows a fun and light side. The setting is real, unbelieveable that we grew up in this time, where everything... Read more
It deals with the issues of that time but also shows a fun and light side. The setting is real, unbelieveable that we grew up in this time, where everything... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Denden
5.0 out of 5 stars
Still sends a shiver down the spine...
I saw this film back in 1980 at Birmingham Arts Lab when it had just been released. In may ways it parralels 'Quadrophenia' with its themes of youth culture and one person's life... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Mr. G. Burnett
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pulls no punches
Great film. Gets to the heart of the problems in English society at that time and the trials faced by 1st and 2nd generation immigrants. Read more
Published 18 months ago by MichaelP
5.0 out of 5 stars
superb well worth the buy
Such a great movie this, may be a touch difficult for those who can't understand the lingo at times but you can always watch it a few times to get to grips with it. Read more
Published 24 months ago by scotto
5.0 out of 5 stars
BABYLON REVIEW
The film was great just like it said, police prejudice and wrongful arrest against
minorty groups hard growing up in that type of environment then and still is now. Read more
minorty groups hard growing up in that type of environment then and still is now. Read more
Published on 21 Mar 2011 by CHARASTAFARI
5.0 out of 5 stars
Babylon (1980)
I have been after this film since i first saw this film on video. Then one night i saw the film on bbc four on the set top box. Read more
Published on 18 Mar 2011 by S. S. Adams
3.0 out of 5 stars
Has dated badly
I was around this scene a bit in the 80s and the movie captures a flavour but is SO stereotyped. Script boring and looks like it was made by white people about black people - urban... Read more
Published on 16 Nov 2010 by bulbulamir
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
