Watch Skinhead Attitude

Skinhead Attitude is a documentary film from 2003 that takes a deep dive into the history of the skinhead subculture. Directed by Daniel Schweizer, this film features interviews with some of the most important figures in the world of skinhead music and culture, as well as footage of concerts and rallies from all over the globe. The film opens with the story of the original skinheads, who emerged from the working-class neighborhoods of 1960s England as a youth movement focused on music, fashion, and unity. The first wave of skinheads were into ska and reggae music, and often had close ties to the West Indian immigrants who brought those sounds with them to the UK. However, as the skinhead movement grew and evolved, it became more politicized and splintered into various factions, some of which were far more violent and racist than others.

Skinhead Attitude does not shy away from these darker elements of the subculture, and features interviews with several former neo-Nazi skinheads who recount their experiences with violence and hate. However, the film also makes it clear that these individuals were on the fringes of the skinhead scene, and that the vast majority of skinheads have always rejected racism and bigotry.

Indeed, much of the film is dedicated to exploring the positive elements of skinhead culture, including the strong sense of community and brotherhood that many participants feel. The film features interviews with musicians and fans from all over the world, including legendary ska singer Laurel Aitken, punk icon Jimmy Pursey, and the charismatic frontman of the British band Bad Manners, Buster Bloodvessel.

These interviews are interspersed with footage of various skinhead concerts and events, including a massive festival in East Germany that drew thousands of fans from all over Europe. The energy and enthusiasm of these crowds is infectious, and the film does a great job of capturing the sheer joy that many skinheads find in their music and culture.

Throughout Skinhead Attitude, director Daniel Schweizer draws parallels between the skinhead movement and other subcultures that emerged in the 20th century, such as punk rock and hip hop. He argues that all of these movements share a deep commitment to self-expression and resistance, and that they all provide an outlet for young people to challenge the dominant culture and create their own identities.

Ultimately, Skinhead Attitude is a fascinating and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on a subculture that is often misunderstood and misrepresented. While it does not shy away from the ugly side of the skinhead movement, it also celebrates the positive aspects of this culture, particularly its focus on music, brotherhood, and community. Whether you're a longtime skinhead or simply curious about this fascinating subculture, this film is definitely worth checking out.

Skinhead Attitude is a 2004 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.