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Rock the Bells

Play trailer Poster for Rock the Bells 2006 1h 43m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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83% Tomatometer 18 Reviews 85% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
Like a hip-hop version of indie rock festivals such as Coachella, Rock the Bells (named for the LL Cool J old-school classic) is a yearly gathering of hip-hop stars. This documentary by filmmaker Denis Hennelly chronicles the buildup to the first Rock the Bells festival, held in San Bernardino, California, in 2004 and headlined by a reunited Wu-Tang Clan. This would prove to be their final concert with original member Ol' Dirty Bastard, who died only months after the festival.

Critics Reviews

View All (18) Critics Reviews
Bill Stamets Chicago Sun-Times Rock the Bells deals with the mechanics of how to pull off a concert, not with what brought Wu-Tang Clan together or split them up. The impressive teamwork of the promoters upstages the egos of hip-hop divos and their rampaging fans. Rated: 3/4 Jun 29, 2007 Full Review Kevin M. Williams Chicago Tribune A flat-out stunner that combines a celebration of hip-hop culture with a disaster film. Rated: 3/4 Jun 28, 2007 Full Review Neva Chonin San Francisco Chronicle Humorously, but with knuckles bared, captures every twitch of angst, chaos and near-calamity that unfolds as the concert draws near and Weisberg's dream devolves into a nightmare. Rated: 3/4 Jun 8, 2007 Full Review Karina Longworth Cinematical A love letter to fans and fandom that is so heartfelt, it bleeds through the boundaries of musical taste. Feb 1, 2008 Full Review Los Angeles Daily News The show goes on -- despite the Wu-Tang Clan. Rated: 2.5/4 May 5, 2007 Full Review Ernest Hardy L.A. Weekly Rock the Bells [ends] on a high note, but in a minor chord of sadness. May 3, 2007 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member This documentary chronicling the final performance of the original Wu Tang Clan is a good insight about the nail biting lead up to the concert. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/18/23 Full Review Audience Member Inconsistent, much like the Clan themselves but for some it'd be worth the effort. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review Audience Member The world behind the end product... An overview of what it takes to pull of the last wu tang show - machinations a plenty and the crowd never know - good stuff!! Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/18/23 Full Review Audience Member solid film. if you enjoyed chappelle's block part you'll definitely like this one. movie builds tension to deliver a satisfying conclusion. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review Audience Member I thought it was pretty interesting to see this massive show come together. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Audience Member ill dvd! wu-tang is the best! wish i saw this live! :( Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Rock the Bells

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Rock the Bells

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Movie Info

Synopsis Like a hip-hop version of indie rock festivals such as Coachella, Rock the Bells (named for the LL Cool J old-school classic) is a yearly gathering of hip-hop stars. This documentary by filmmaker Denis Hennelly chronicles the buildup to the first Rock the Bells festival, held in San Bernardino, California, in 2004 and headlined by a reunited Wu-Tang Clan. This would prove to be their final concert with original member Ol' Dirty Bastard, who died only months after the festival.
Director
Denis Hennelly, Casey Suchan
Producer
Kurt Dalton, Denis Hennelly, Henry Lowenfels, Casey Suchan
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 1, 2009
Runtime
1h 43m