Watch D.O.A.: A Right Of Passage

D.O.A.: A Right of Passage is a documentary movie that showcases the groundbreaking punk movement that started in the United States of America and later spread to the rest of the world. The movie was released in 1980 and directed by Lech Kowalski. It features interviews with some of the most influential punk rock bands from the US and UK, including the Sex Pistols, The Dead Boys, Generation X, The Clash, and The Sham 69.

The movie begins by showcasing the early days of the punk movement in New York City, where bands like The Ramones and The Dead Boys would play in small clubs to an enthusiastic but small audience. It then moves on to London, where the punk movement was gaining momentum, and where bands like The Sex Pistols where making an impact. The movie documents The Sex Pistols' short but explosive career, from their debut show at St Martin's School of Art in 1975 to their final shows in the US in 1978.

The movie is filmed in a raw and energetic style that perfectly captures the spirit of the punk movement. It features live performances from some of the most iconic punk bands of the time, with footage of The Sex Pistols performing at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, and The Dead Boys playing at CBGB in New York. It also includes interviews with band members and fans, who talk about the impact of punk rock on their lives.

One of the most interesting things about the movie is the way it captures the differences between the punk scenes in the US and UK. In London, the punk movement was a reaction against the conservative politics of the time, with bands like The Sex Pistols using their music to express their anger and frustration. In the US, the punk movement was more about a rejection of the mainstream culture, with bands like The Dead Boys taking inspiration from the anti-establishment spirit of The Stooges and MC5.

Despite the differences, the punk movement on both sides of the Atlantic shared a common ethos of rebellion and non-conformity. The movie does an excellent job of showcasing this, with footage of the anarchic and chaotic scenes that would often accompany punk shows. It also includes interviews with some of the more controversial figures of the time, including Sid Vicious and John Lydon, who give their thoughts on the punk movement and their experiences with it.

Overall, D.O.A.: A Right of Passage is an essential document of the punk movement of the late 70s. It captures the raw energy and spirit of the time and offers a fascinating insight into one of the most important cultural movements of the 20th century. The performances are electrifying, and the interviews are insightful and engaging. Whether you're a fan of punk rock or not, this documentary is well worth watching.

D.O.A.: A Right Of Passage is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes.