The young people weren't a problem for Belfast; they were part of its solution. "When punk rock was at its peak in Ulster, there’s never been more excitement or fun. Amidst the bombings, shootings, religious hatred, and old grudges, punk gave everyone a chance to truly LIVE, if only for one amazing moment.” Uncle Joe Strummer. Punk Rock and punks have always been misunderstood. Back when it first started in 1976, people thought they wanted to assassinate the queen and burn down villages. Even though some principals who weren’t well informed tried to stir things up, the real meaning behind punk rock—its beliefs and reasons for existing—got lost amidst all the media hype and drug-related tragedies. Many films and documentaries have been made over the years, some good, others not so much, but they were all trying to either correct those misunderstandings or bring attention to a music genre that continues to influence things today. *Good Vibrations* captures exactly what it was all about. The story follows Terri Hooley (played wonderfully by Richard Dormer), who believed music could make a difference, even while a devastating Civil War raged in the streets of Belfast. He opened a record shop and started his own independent label (the Good Vibrations of the title), then he discovered a movement—punk kids who simply didn’t care about sectarianism, race, religion, or color; they united through their love of music with attitude and no hidden agendas. This fit perfectly with Hooley's worldview, leading him to wonder where these boys had been all along. I want to report a Civil War happening outside! The 1970s setting against the backdrop of the Northern Ireland "Troubles" hits on all the right emotions, but the filmmakers don’t overdo it or make it too dramatic. The key is showing a movement—and an individual—that refused to be intimidated by bombs and bullets. In fact, during one particularly great scene, ignorance really is bliss. From my own experience, as a British guy living in England back in the late 1970s, I was told not even to think about buying a 7" single by someone who considered themselves an "Oirish punk rebel rouser." I’m still giving them the same middle finger I did then. Teenage dreams are hard to beat. Thankfully, the film doesn't focus too much on what music fans know as the major Irish bands of that era. The Undertones owed a lot to Hooley, just like they did to the legendary John Peel, but this movie barely mentions them or Stiff Little Fingers. While The Undertones are important and provide some of Hooley’s most memorable moments—they're central to understanding both his genius and his personal struggles—the lesser-known bands take center stage alongside him, which is a wonderful touch and, dare I say it, very punk rock. It’s as he says, they were all part of Good Vibrations. I saw the light. What about Hooley himself? The film tries to show that he wasn't exactly ideal husband material; his wife, Ruth (played with subtlety by Jodie Whittaker), is somewhat sidelined in favor of his musical passion. His relationship with his parents is only briefly touched upon, but it serves a purpose, while some of his dealings with the warring factions in his community seem a bit far-fetched. But these are minor flaws, because this film is about a music lover and the movement he fought so hard to get heard. It wasn't about money; punks wanted it, needed it even, but the true spirit of punk shines brightly in *Good Vibrations*, both musically and as a human interest story, making it essential viewing for anyone interested in the early days of Punk Rock. 10/10

Source on TMDB