BABYLON • Official Trailer HD

“A STORY WITH LITERALLY EPIC STAKES. It’s no surprise why the film may resonate now—its themes of finding community through art and trying to exist in a society that doesn't want you are unfortunately both timeless and extremely current.” - Jaya Saxena, GQ

“REMARKABLE. Never lets go for a moment.” —Derek Malcolm, THE GUARDIAN

“FEARLESS. Loud and musical and cheerful and funny, and also tragic.” —David Robinson, The TIMES

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ [FIVE STARS!]. One of the greatest British films.” —MOJO

Never-before released in the U.S., Franco Rosso’s BABYLON had its world premiere at Cannes in 1980 but was deemed “too controversial, and likely to incite racial tension” (Vivien Goldman, TIME OUT) that same year and was never released in the U.S.. Raw and smoldering, it follows a young reggae DJ (Brinsley Forde, frontman of landmark British group Aswad) in Thatcher-era Brixton as he pursues his musical ambitions, while battling fiercely against the racism and xenophobia of employers, neighbors, police, and the National Front. 

With THE WARRIORS as an inspiration, BABYLON was co-written by Martin Stellman (QUADROPHENIA) and shot by two-time Oscar® winner Chris Menges (THE KILLING FIELDS) with beautiful, smoky cinematography that's been compared to TAXI DRIVER. It's fearless and unsentimental, yet tempered by the hazy bliss of the dancehall set to a blistering reggae, dub, and lovers rock soundtrack featuring Aswad, Johnny Clarke, Dennis Bovell, and more.

“REVOLUTIONARY.” —Miguel Cullen, The Independent

“MUST be seen.” —NME

“RELEVANT and RADICAL.” —Tom Huddleston, TIME OUT

“An INSTANT CLASSIC.” —British Film Institute

“EXPLODES IN THE GUT with a powerful mix of pain and pleasure. Like the reggae music that pulses through it, Babylon is RICH, ROUGH and REAL. And like the street life of the young black Londoners it portrays, it's THREATENING, TOUCHING, VIOLENT and FUNNY.” —Simon Perry, VARIETY

from Kino Lorber Repertory & Seventy-Seven

[peggy]

one of the best films ever made. one of the best soundtrack ever put to film.

[zh]

Makes me proud of my heritage as British Jamaican 🇯🇲

[imanihekima]

Fantastic trailer, what a film. One to show anyone who wasn't around back then just how things were. A real time capsule.

[afflulifestyle]

I still have the VHS when I recorded it off channel 4 in the 80's. Trust me, I don't really care about crisp quality because its authentic when it has that old grainey look. Having a grainey VHS, keeps it looking how the film was when it came out. This was what London was really like back in the day, blues parties & the real living. Babylon & Black Joy are the big UK classics that still remain underrated.

[shadezondabeat]

I GREW UP ON THIS FILM!!! IN MY LATE 30'S NOW AND I STILL LOVE THIS MOVIE, THIS IS A PIECE OF JAMAICAN CULTURE IN THE UK!!! GOD BLESS EVERY1 INVOLVED THE MOVIE, EVEN THE RACIST LADY LOL!!!

[raydoalonsozorrilla-riese]

What an amazing film!!! I just saw it the other night and I’m surprised is not better know. If you haven’t seen it already, do it!

[StephenSaxby-vfws]

One of my favourite British films ever. So raw and gritty.

[rascardoreggaereggae]

THERE IS SO MUCH IN JAMAICAN MUSIC HISTORY AND ITS INFLUENCE IN THE UK, USA, AND ELSEWHERE THEY HAVE YET NOT SEEN. THEY MUST SEE RAS CARDO AND THE TRENCH TOWN CREW.

[missradford]

Brilliant film, even after all these years. Still brilliant!

[berryseinfeld]

Just watched this on Criterion and was blown away. One of the coolest movies I’ve ever seen. Also beautifully shot and very moving. JAH BLESS DOWN W BABLYON 2

[sundelight]

Came across this film on Netflix and what a amazing film 🙏🏽

[iancain]

This looks interesting. I'll have to check it out some time.

[Kurosawa]

Finally watched Small Axe so looking forward to seeing this gem I've heard about. Impressive Chris Menges was the DP.

[markchampagnie]

BABYLON...FLIMED in new cross, deptford, Brixton, westend central London, bermonsdey and AROUND the old MILLWALL.. these are the days..when Names like HEADLEY, BANTA BOYS, MILLWALL TINY..PROPER GEEZA's.... kapppish 🇯🇲🇬🇧💯

[TheTeamYDKChannel]

RIP Cosmo (the ras at the end) and Jah Shaka (DJ) ❤

[elizard]

Watched it on Mubi yesterday. Great film. Great soundtrack.

[oneohoner]

What's the song playing in the trailer?

[hamansutra]

Wha Gwan, Piece to de eye, Rastafareye.

[simonkinslow]

Now watching it for a second time in a day, amazing stuff.

[AndresRico-dtzi]

Im trying to find music like what’s being played over this trailer and in the freestyle competition at the end of the film. Can anyone recommend artists and albums?