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The Decline of Western Civilization

Play trailer Poster for The Decline of Western Civilization Released Jul 1, 1981 1h 40m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 41 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Director Penelope Spheeris surveys the late-1970s Los Angeles punk scene: X, Black Flag, Fear, Germs, Catholic Discipline, Alice Bag Band.
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The Decline of Western Civilization

The Decline of Western Civilization

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Critics Consensus

The Decline of Western Civilization takes a frank, often funny look at the punk culture of the late '70s and early '80s.

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Critics Reviews

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Nathan Rabin Globe and Mail The film's style is as brutal, stripped-down and purposefully devoid of frills as the music of its subjects. May 8, 2021 Full Review Michael Anthony Minneapolis Star Tribune Spheeris's film does have Its funny moments. Mar 23, 2021 Full Review Scott Cain Atlanta Journal-Constitution The musicians and their fans are both amusing and pathetic. Rated: 3/5 Mar 23, 2021 Full Review D.M. Palmer Vague Visages ...emblematic of the cultural sect being catalogued... Nov 9, 2023 Full Review Noah Berlatsky Splice Today The Decline of Western Civilization is a punk document not just because it chronicles punk bands, but because it’s made in line with that famous punk ethos: the mainstream sucks, do it yourself Apr 16, 2023 Full Review Rick Chatenever Santa Cruz Sentinel Spheeris' treatment goes out of its way to present a broad look at the subject that avoids easy generalizations in either direction. May 8, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jim F An absolutely vital document. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/19/21 Full Review Audience Member More of a time capsule than anything else, this is a unique and uncomfortably fascinating snapshot, even if some of the interviews do drag a little. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/23/23 Full Review Audience Member I was going to give it 4 stars, but did not. This is a great movie docu. style about punk rock and punk rock music and bands. It has interviews with band members and on stage playing and preforming. Really good movie, I believe it is hard to find if you find it watch it. This is a great movie for any punk rock fan or fan of the bands/people in the movie love it. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/16/23 Full Review Audience Member The definitive punk rock documentary. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Audience Member Great music, great bands. Epic documentary. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/23/23 Full Review Audience Member I despised the music and most of the subjects but it's a fascinating time capsule movie. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/16/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Decline of Western Civilization

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Cast & Crew

The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years 76% 76% The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years Watchlist Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars 73% 88% Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars Watchlist A Grin Without a Cat 92% 87% A Grin Without a Cat Watchlist Gates of Heaven 90% 81% Gates of Heaven Watchlist The Kids Are Alright 100% 88% The Kids Are Alright Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

Synopsis Director Penelope Spheeris surveys the late-1970s Los Angeles punk scene: X, Black Flag, Fear, Germs, Catholic Discipline, Alice Bag Band.
Director
Penelope Spheeris
Producer
Penelope Spheeris
Screenwriter
Penelope Spheeris
Production Co
Spheeris Films Inc.
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 1, 1981, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 23, 2016
Runtime
1h 40m
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