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78% Critic Match
MC5: A True Testimonial
7.8 / 10• 2002• 2h 0m•NR• English
MusicDocumentary
Storyline
This documentary, made over a period of eight years, tells the remarkable story of an extremely influential rock'n'roll band. Starting from their mid-60's garage band roots (sounding amazingly like the Sonics), the Motor City 5 deveoped into an icon for a brand of loud, crushing music reflecting their industrial roots. Even if you don't care for their music (and you're bound to like even a few of their songs), their story is fascinating. It combines 60's protest, youthful braggadocio, and a style of music that would help carry one to the likes of Iggy and the Stooges (not to mention certain aspects of punk rock). This film is clearly a labor of love, combining extraordinarily rare live shows, still shots, a nearly-continuous backdrop of MC5 tunes, penetrating interviews with the remaining members and their spouses, and even FBI surveillance shots. It's the ultimate testimonial to a band that only gains in stature as time goes on.
Cast & Crew
Rob Tyner
Himself
Lead
Wayne Kramer
Himself
Fred 'Sonic' Smith
Himself
Michael Davis
Himself
Dennis Thompson
Himself
JS
John Sinclair
Himself
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. David C. Thomas's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
4.0
“Every frame feels alive. MC5: A True Testimonial is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
