Rave Against the Machine (2002 TV Movie) User Reviews

Very well made, tightly structured, wryly humorous documentary.

[mpag · 8/10 · 17 July 2007]

A very well crafted short documentary which reveals the fascinating musical subculture, a cross between the 100 Club 1976 and Berlin 1945, which flowered in besieged Sarajevo under the madness and privations of war. Club goers had to race across a sniper targeted bridge, to be able to lose themselves in the punk-thrash frenzy of the bands who formed to play in dark underground venues. As well as an escape from the chaos above ground music held and continues to hold an important symbolic significance for the young people of the city as a mark of their connection to a wider 'normal' Europe. There is one sad sting in the tale, but the interviewees all possess a remarkably wry sense of humour and an even more remarkable sense of optimism. Far away people, figures in just another news war story, never seemed so close to ourselves.

An interesting documentary about survival

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 21 August 2008]

This is one of many shorts that are included on the DVD entitled "Shorts: Volume 4". In general, this is an excellent collection of short films and all four of the editions are worth seeking.

This documentary film is about an odd group of music lovers who survive the four year long siege of Sarajevo. Instead of giving up or allowing themselves to lose hope, a small but dedicated group of people keep up their spirits through music. Despite practically no resources, they keep a small radio station operating (when possible), keep a dance club going and even organize a concert. In many ways, this true story is very surreal, but it did occur. And, once the war was over, it was amazing how quickly all seemed to be forgotten.

An interesting but not great short film. It's worth a look.