Babylon

Directed by Franco Rosso, ‘Babylon’ is a British film from 1980 which looks into the lives of a group of working class black youths living in London. Reggae music is a massive part of these people’s lives, and the film does in fact star Brinsley Forde, vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the reggae band Aswad.

‘Babylon’ centres around the strong social bond that these young people have, the importance of music, and also looks into the subject of racism; not just from members of the general public, but also from authority.

Blue (Brinsley Forde) is central to much of the film’s plot, and it’s his progression through life here which is focused on most heavily. The film follows his journey well, and we watch as his own personal life events make him increasingly angrier with the society in which he lives in. Racism takes its toll, and as he becomes the subject of much racial abuse on many occasions, he finds it all too much to handle.

The acting is all very natural here, and all those involved in the film play their parts well. The film has a very realistic feel, and the way that the characters interact with one another is all very believable.

Reggae music is utilised to excellent effect, and the musical score really does add to the film’s appeal. This is a young group of people trapped in poverty, working in jobs that they hate; music is a fine form of escapism for them though, and it’s through the music that they connect with one another, and can celebrate their identities as young black males.

A highly regarded film at the time of its release in 1980; ‘Babylon’ still hits hard nearly 30 years later, and the issues which it tackles are still important ones today. ‘Babylon’ stands out strongly as a supreme social commentary, highlighting the horribly racist and incredibly ignorant society of the time.

Co-written by Franco Rosso and Martin Stellman (Quadrophenia); ‘Babylon’ is an excellent film that is most definitely not to be missed.

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