Babylon

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1:36

Babylon

Released Mar 8, 2019

1h 35m

Drama

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100%

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29 Reviews

46%

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100+ Ratings

Never before released in the U.S.

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Christy Lemire

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

It's a really vivid life at a certain part of life.

Sep 24, 2019

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Leah Pickett

Chicago Reader

A new restoration of this 1980 British cult classic makes plain that its themes of disaffection and racial discord in south London are still relevant nearly four decades later.

Apr 18, 2019

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Richard Whittaker

Austin Chronicle

Babylon's cultural specificity is what gives it power, putting it as much in a tradition of British alienated youth movies.

Rated: 3.5/5

Apr 4, 2019

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Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

[A] creditable slice-of-life drama...

Oct 15, 2020

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Holly Edwards

Film Inquiry

Franco Rosso's film Babylon is a hidden gem when it comes to authentic explorations of institutional racism and the immigrant experience.

Jul 29, 2020

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John Beifuss

Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN)

The central M.C. is played by Brinsley Forde, leader of the British reggae band, Aswad; his musical presence is just one element of authenticity in a movie that never strikes a false note.

Rated: 4/4

Jun 22, 2020

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delysid d

the harder they come, smile orange, the rockers, and now this, another cool jamaican movie

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/23/22

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Audience Member

First off I loved this film. It was a gritty portrayal of life in south London during the thatcher period. An immigration story of living life as a foreigner. A movie about racial friendships and how they can get frayed. A hard story to watch but one that must be watched. It has you enthralled from beginning to end. I absolutely recommend this movie as relevant in 2021 as it was in 1980.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/07/23

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Audience Member

A strong contender for the best film ever made, Babylon will make you angry and sad and everything in between. It never over exaggerates nor understates its story. The soundtrack is perfect along with the cinematography. The ending will stay with you forever.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/10/23

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Audience Member

It is a classic. A brilliant snapshot of London life in the late 70's early 80's. Must see for anyone interested in Reggae, Culture, Identity and Race.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

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ian t

It's an interesting slice of life of a particular place and time. It's quite well acted. I think it doesn't quite like a story, but just a bunch of scenes thrown together.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

Gritty realism of 1980s London and the social conditions of southern London with a reggae soundtrack and atmostphere; great cinematography

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

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Franco Rosso

Director

Brinsley Forde

Blue

Karl Howman

Ronnie

Trevor Laird

Beefy

Brian Bovell

Scientist

Victor Romero Evans

Lover

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Babylon: Trailer 1

1:36

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Synopsis

Never before released in the U.S.

Director: Franco Rosso
Screenwriter: Franco Rosso, Martin Stellman
Distributor: Kino Lorber Repertory
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 8, 2019, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 31, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA): $109.7K
Runtime: 1h 35m

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