The Godfathers of Hardcore (2017) User Reviews

An Unorthodox Look at Two Outstanding Individuals

[ematos06 · 8/10 · 2 October 2018]

As a punk hardcore kid myself, I went to the London premiere expecting a traditional rock documentary. You know, the regular talking heads, the story of the band, the ups and downs of life on the road....The Godfathers of Hardcore delivers something different. The director chose to focus on the human side of things, the two contrasting personalities whose friendship kept the band alive for almost 40 years now. I believe that adds so much more depth to the movie and it's quite a different way of telling the story. It feels more like a documentary about life than music itself.

Yes, it's a niche film and if you're not familiar with hardcore/punk and the overall history of Agnostic Front you will feel a bit left out sometimes. This is not a biopic of the band and its members. Maybe a bit more context could have been added at times to back some of the past events that are presented, and the more recent live footage from the gig in Germany doesn't really add that much to it, other than the "on-stage" perspective that the director explained further in the Q&A.

Ultimately this is the story of two special individuals that grew up in a very specific (and rough) time and place and a snapshot of what they done with their lives and the challenges they face in getting older. It's a very unorthodox and beautiful perspective, something that appeals more to human emotions than nostalgia.

This will be looked back decades later as one of the great rock documentaries...

[thisshowsuckspodcast · 10/10 · 6 September 2018]

With the plethora of music documentaries that have come out in the last few decades, few work on the level of an actual movie. The Godfathers of Hardcore, you can tell is a labor of love from director Ian McFarland. It has all the hallmarks of a great movie... It's beautifully shot, it has real life characters that have totally different personalities yet are both engaging and important to each other. This movie takes you on a journey that will make you laugh and cry and feel happy at the end. Vinnie Stigma could have easily been a lead character in a Scorsese film and stolen the show.... But he's the real deal. He embodies New York City and it's Hardcore Punk Scene. You feel his sadness for a city that is being sold out to the wealthy and elite. It doesn't matter if you're a fan of Punk or Hardcore or Agnostic Front.. if you're a fan of great documentaries, watch this!!!!

The truth, and the honor

[jaylawn · 10/10 · 17 December 2018]

Ian McFarland captures what most people have ignored for over 30 years. The honesty in which Hardcore music is portrayed is accurate, reverent and astute. I am honored by his documentary to be a part of that history as well as a curator of its history and significance. Thank you Ian for delving into a story that should be told, recounted and remembered.

Hardcore/Punk Music, NYC, Friendship and Beyond

[Inh722 · 10/10 · 7 September 2018]

There have been many films documenting Punk Rock, Hardcore, Metal etc but none quite like The Godfathers of Hardcore. It goes beyond any "life on the road" cliches or tired band origin stories as it is far more personal and engaging. Along with its inherit NYC grit, it tells the story of 2 friends who have taken a band, Agnostic Front, from the streets in the early 1980s to one that tours the world over to thousands of die hard fans. You come away learning a lot more about Roger Miret and Vinnie Stigma and what drives them after 35 plus years of music. Without disclosing too much, you also learn about Roger Miret's harrowing and troubled childhood, as well as some issues he faces currently, that the brunt of Agnostic Front fans are likely not aware of. This aspect of the documentary really sets it apart from the pack. The documentary itself looks and sounds fantastic and is very well shot and produced. I definitely see this as a film that could appeal to music and documentary fans period, going way above the core Hardcore/Punk audience. I caught the film at its NYC premiere in 2017 and look forward to seeing it again!

Beautifully crafted portrait of two punk rock icons.

[jordan-albertsen · 10/10 · 13 December 2018]

Agnostic Front fans, punk fans, hell...even your parents will love this. Ian has made something truly special. Do yourself a favor and check out this incredibly well made film. Easily one of the best rock documentaries I've seen in recent years.

Not just another Rock Documentary...

[tinguebrownny · 10/10 · 4 September 2018]

This is a great insight on the working trials and tribulations of a touring club band...Yes you get to see the gritty beginnings of a music genre that is still with Us and strong today that was started basically in the Lower East Side of Manhattan ...It is a story of the relationship of two pioneers of that "Scene"...It goes beyond the working relationship of two guys and shows the friendship that has lasted generations. Agnostic Front has lasted this long because of that bond that we get to see in this film...You do not need to be a fan of Hard Core Punk Rock to enjoy this, it goes beyond! Enjoy!

More Than 'Core.

[mikegitter · 10/10 · 5 September 2018]

Ian McFarland's Godfathers of Hardcore isn't merely a great rock doc. It's the rare sort of film created by and entrenched within a genuine DiY ethos that is, at its core, a genuine human story. In it's portrait of the friendship between Cuban born Agnostic Front frontman, Roger Miret and Little Italy born-and-bred guitarist Vinnie Stigma, McFarland has exceeded every film (and there have been a number of them) to date to spring from punk's roughest underbelly: Hardcore.

First and foremost, this is a great story about Agnostic Front's two mainstays: the thoughtful and often troubled Miret and his oft comedic, heart-of gold foil, Stigma. It's a great coming-of-age story, a great New York story and a great rock film. With the notable exception of Don Letts' Joe Strummer biopic, The Future is Unwritten, it hits marks in pacing and production values that make it a singular and affecting piece of work.

It's a buddy flick told with a Taxi Driver-like grit and a snarling soundtrack that tells the story of two men who defined New York Hardcore and never let go of their values. Now, nearly four decades later, there have been successes, failures, wives, children, heartbreak and triumphs with Agnostic Front still taking stages from Boston to Bangcock and waving the flag, not just for NYHC but for their very own spirit of independence.

An amazing documentary!!!

[oxboone · 10/10 · 4 September 2018]

There are things in this world that matter. There are people in this world that make a difference.

I went into this movie thinking that I would see a film about a legendary hardcore band. I walked out realizing that Ian McFarland captured something that has mattered to me and so many like me and that Roger Miret and Vinnie Stigma have made a difference. Don't just tell your friends about this movie. Take your folks. Take your family. The Godfathers of Hardcore is an amazing look into our life through our generations voice.

A story worth telling

[yellowportly · 10/10 · 4 October 2018]

I was lucky enough to get a ticket to see this at its London premiere as part of the Raindance festival. This is not your usual rockumentary, this is a story of how two influential members of the NY hardcore scene have remained part of those that want to see that scene thriving. It's candid at times as we learn more about the backgrounds and early lives of Roger Miret and Vinnie Stigma but there is also a lot of (previously unseen) footage of their band, Agnostic Front, and others as they were in the early 80s and as they are now.

Stigma and Miret don't come across as pampered self-proclaiming rock stars, they come across as decent, honest, hard-working blokes that know their limitations but give their all to a scene they helped create and that they believe in still, today.

I loved the story, I loved the footage, I realised, again, how important hardcore music is as the very basis for so much of today's rock and punk scene.

This film is absolutely tremendous. Ian McFarland has done Roger Miret, Vinnie Stigma, and the Hardcore scene in general, proud. Watch it when you can.

Awesome

[bombardierrg · 10/10 · 15 December 2018]

Ok, so I like the subject matter, so I'm a little bit biased, but seriously, this is an amazingly composed extremely compelling documentary.

I was literally glued to my seat. Ian, Stigma, and especially Roger let you into the AF world in a truly amazing way.

It's seriously Jaws good.

OUTSTANDING

[mellaman · 10/10 · 16 December 2018]

Even if you're not a fan of the music this is a documentary of survival and life itself. These kids grew up in the Lower East Side of New York during the 80s survive through a total war zone. All they had were their music, a couple of Clubs, and the most important thing each other. It's an honor to be a part of this scene. I have met most of these guys and all of them are top notch human beings and just great people to sit in conversation with. Everything about this was put together with love and it shows. Nothing short of an outstanding job. I did not want it to end

More than just another NYHC documentary....

[nchellbilly · 10/10 · 17 December 2018]

I'm a sucker for music documentaries and I've always been a huge fan of Agnostic Front, so of course, I was going to watch this film. But, I wasn't expecting anything more than another Hardcore film full of the history of punk and the roots of hardcore and blah blah blah. Stuff I already know. So, was I surprised when I watched "The Godfather's of Hardcore". This film is great. I love how it focus' on the personal life's of Roger Merit and Vinnie Stigma rather than the band, Agnostic Front. This film taught me things I never knew about these two punk rock legends. I highly suggest that you watch this film, you will not be disappointed. I can't recommend it enough.

Incredible film.

[charleswcislo · 10/10 · 15 December 2018]

The Godfathers of Hardcore Film is not only an amazing film for any fan of hardcore and the history, but an incredible look into the passion, commitment and heart of hardcore for anyone not into the scene. It's often hard to describe what hardcore truly is to someone on the outside and this film does a great job shining a light on it. The rare old footage was unbelievable as well. I highly recommend checking it out.

the heart and soul of hardcore

[bernsteinsteve · 10/10 · 16 December 2018]

My best friend let me borrow his cause for alarm album in 1989. Agnostic Front changed my life. That's real talk. This is such a great film. another landmark for everyone that make up the hardcore community and live the life. Thank you Roger and Vinny

Amazing

[craigcollins-50815 · 10/10 · 15 December 2018]

A compelling documentary! It's the most real, heartfelt and honest portrayal of friendship. McFarlands film is like no other music documentaries I've ever seen. The bond between Roger and Vinnie is the rawest form of sincerity. Agnostic Front still rules.

Amazing documentary

[cirrij · 10/10 · 17 December 2018]

This is one of the best music documentaries to come out in a long time. It is as much about the band and bands journey as it is about the relationship between Vinnie and Roger. The film traces the band history with amazing vintage footage as welll as extremely honest and candid interviews. This film is truly well done. I highly reccomend checking it out even if you are not an Agonstoc Front fan or even a fan of hardcore music. A++++++++

You Won't Be Disappointed

[rodajo · 10/10 · 16 December 2018]

This was a great documentary! The door was opened and you were let into the world of Agnostic Front! This is a great film! Thank you Ian for making it and sharing it with the world!

Must watch

[matthop-88955 · 10/10 · 15 December 2018]

This movie is a must watch not just for any hardcore/punk fan but for anyone who cares about music. Truly inspirational what this band has been able to accomplish throughout their career and continue to do to this day. Maybe I am impartial as Agnostic Front " live at cbgb's" was one of the first albums I ever bought and I have been a fan since but this documentary hits perfectly on a scene that is near and dear to my heart. Thank you to all involved in making this movie it is awesome. WATCH IT!!!!!

Greatest hardcore band of all time documented for all time

[jeffhitman · 10/10 · 15 December 2018]

Top shelf production and editing, smooth transitions building momentum the entire movie. I could have watched another couple of hours. Whether you're a fan of the band, or just the scene in general, you will love this movie. Lots of great footage, old and new plus quick bits with important members throughout. But the focus is always on Roger and Stigma, from past to present. Unlike a lot of similar biopics, this one left me happy for them, not seeing them as weary veterans of the hardcore scene, but conquerors. The kicker was watching it on Showtime. Showtime?!? Agnostic Front? This is amazing, and well deserved. Huge kudos to Ian McFarland and his crew for doing this right, like you knew they would.

The human side of the patriarchs of NYHC

[hellcityjosh · 10/10 · 15 December 2018]

Without Roger or Vinnie, hell, without Agnostic Front would there really be a NYHC scene? Ian McFarland does an amazing job of documenting not only the history of AF and the HC music scene but the human side and the lives of the two men responsible for the greatest musical genre of all time.

Arguable the Best Hardcore Documentary

[lefty-89025 · 10/10 · 15 December 2018]

The storyline is Awesome, and it's the best footage you may see considering quality of audio and video. A true look into what being a part of hardcore is truly like.

An amazing documentary

[dannymaher · 10/10 · 15 December 2018]

Even if you're not into hardcore this documentary is amazing. Covering the beginning of the mighty Agnostic Front's start in music in the early 80's till today. Roger Miret and Vinnie Stigma have shaped a movement and lifestyle. This is a must watch for any music lover and especially us who grew up in the scene. My father even watched it, knows nothing about hardcore and absolutely loved it! Great job Ian McFarland!

Powerful and Moving

[jmilton187 · 10/10 · 15 December 2018]

The Godfather's of Hardcore show why Agnostic Front are the forerunners of HC. The film was moving, it showed the reason they are loved by so many and there music is timeless. To see these guys just like you would anyone else on the street. It truly captured what I feel when I listen to them. A beautiful piece of cinema.

NYHC story for the ages!

[cpr-07787 · 10/10 · 16 December 2018]

Amazing film, about a bunch of amazing people! New York Hardcore legends Agnostic Front, Roger and Vinnie go strong and still are! Loved every minute of this film! Highly recommended!

As Good a Rock Doc as You're Ever Going to See!

[howieabrams · 10/10 · 2 September 2018]

Whether you're an Agnostic Front fan, or have ever been a fan of hardcore punk, metal or otherwise, The Godfathers of Hardcore offers an unprecedented glimpse into the relationship between two legends whose brotherhood and friendship launched a band, and also a movement.

Roger Miret and Vinnie Stigma's collective contribution to underground music is criminally underacknowledged. As people, the two couldn't be more unlike the other, yet together, they are an awesome force.

The film beautifully represents the good, the bad and the ugly of Miret and Stigma's three and a half plus decades in New York Hardcore's premier band, Agnostic Front, yet equally entertainingly allows you into the lives of these two men. Their life and career struggles would have demolished lesser individuals, much less fueled them to take the rawest brand of punk rock around the globe several times over.

I HIGHLY recommend this cinematic achievement for its story, its look and its sheer passion and lessons in perseverance.