White Riot Review: A Sadly Timely Documentary About Standing Against Hate

Release date: October 16, 2020
Running time: 80 minutes
Starring: Red Saunders, Dennis Bovell, Mykaell Riley 

White Riot chronicles the Rock Against Racism organization, which was formed in 1976 in response to some racially charged comments made by Eric Clapton.  But the organization and its message of unification for rock quickly found a need to grow as the anti-immigrant National Front in Britain espoused its own racist and anti-immigration messages.  The campaign grew from Hoxton fanzine roots to 1978's huge antifascist carnival in Victoria Park, featuring X-Ray Spex, Steel Pulse, and of course The Clash, whose rock star charisma and gale-force conviction took RAR's message to the masses.  White Riot blends fresh interviews with archive footage to recreate a hostile environment of anti-immigrant hysteria and National Front marches.  

This film highlights an important time in British history and for rock / punk music.  The National Front preached a hateful, close minded message and this film showcases how a few angry individuals who didn't like the views espoused by that party started a national movement.  The founders of Rock Against Racism channeled their anger to effect real change, and gathered like-minded musicians and sympathetic Brits to help defeat this message.  It really showcases how music can be a force for good in this world and how people can come together to change the narrative.  It also showcases a pivotal time in punk music when the culture could have gone either way, embracing either equality or racism.  And thanks to the efforts of Rock Against Racism, it formed a rebellion against hate.  

And as you would expect from a movie about punk music the film has a great soundtrack.  It really highlights some good bands and some influential lyrics.  I really liked how it would relate those lyrics to the greater movement at the time, and the soundtrack to the film is one of rebellion and love.  It really puts into context some of these great songs.  And unfortunately, despite this movie being set 50 years ago, the message it has is sadly timely.  It feels like a lot of the lessons and fight that occurred back then are still happening today.  Even though we as a society and a world should have moved past all of this, hate still happens and is becoming more blatant and outspoken.  White Riot is an important and timely reminder that if you want to stop hate, you have to take an active role.  You can't just hope that it will go away, you must be the voice for what you want to see happen.

White Riot is a sadly timely movie that showcases how music can be a force for good with a rebellious soundtrack and cast of characters.

Watch it.

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White Riot is playing in virtual cinemas across the country.  For more information and for showtimes click here.