Films about Mods:
Mods, short for “modernists,” were a subculture that emerged in the 1960s in Britain. They were known for their fashion-forward style, love for music, and affinity for scooters. Films about mods often delve into the vibrant and rebellious spirit of this youth subculture, capturing the essence of their fashion, music, and social dynamics. Here are some films that explore the world of mods:
“Quadrophenia”, 1979
Director: Franc Roddam
Set in 1964, this film follows Jimmy, a young mod who finds himself torn between his loyalty to his mod friends and his desire for a more fulfilling life. The movie features an iconic soundtrack by The Who and showcases the clashes between the mods and their rivals, the rockers.
Starring: Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Phil Davis, Mark Wingett, Sting, Ray Winstone, Garry Cooper, Gary Shail, Toyah Willcox, Trevor Laird, Kate Williams, Michael Elphick, Kim Neve, Benjamin Whitrow, Daniel Peacock, Jeremy Child, John Phillips, Timothy Spall, Olivier Pierre, George Innes, John Bindon, P.H. Moriarty, Hugh Lloyd, Cross Section, Lewis Alexander, John Altman, Frances Baker, Simon Bamford, Amanda Barrie, Jesse Birdsall, John Blundell, Peter Brayham, Derek Chafer, Tony Clarkin, John Clifford, Leslie Crawford, Loren Day, Barbie Denham, Michael Dickins, Harry Fielder, Julian Firth, Fuzz, Simon Gipps-Kent, Carol Harrison, Ridgewell Hawkes, Barrie Holland, Gary Holton, Tom Ingram, Juba Kennerley, Eric Kent;
Production year: 1979;
Genre: drama, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Quadrophenia” on the website imdb.com
“Absolute Beginners”, 1986
Director: Julien Temple
Set in the late 1950s, this film tells the story of Colin, a young photographer who becomes immersed in the mod scene in London. The movie captures the vibrant atmosphere of the era, with its stylish fashion, music, and social upheavals.
Starring: Patsy Kensit, Eddie O'Connell, David Bowie, James Fox, Ray Davies, Mandy Rice-Davies, Eve Ferret, Tony Hippolyte, Graham Fletcher-Cook, Joseph McKenna, Steven Berkoff, Sade, Edward Tudor-Pole, Bruce Payne, Alan Freeman, Anita Morris, Paul Rhys, Julian Firth, Chris Pitt, Lionel Blair, Gary Beadle, Robbie Coltrane, Jess Conrad, Smiley Culture, Ronald Fraser, Slim Gaillard, Irene Handl, Peter-Hugo Daly, Amanda Jane Powell, Johnny Shannon, Sylvia Syms, Ekow Abban, Robert Austin, Gerry Alexander, Jim Dunk, Johnny Edge, Carmen Ejogo, Paul Fairminer, Hugo First, Pat Hartley, Astley Harvey, Colin Jeavons, Alfred Maron, G.B. Zoot Money, Sandie Shaw, Bruno Tonioli, Roland Alexander, Shaun Alexander, Ayo Antaeus, John Aron;
Production year: 1986;
Genre: musical, drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,6;
More information about the film “Absolute Beginners” on the website imdb.com
“Burning an Illusion”, 1981
Director: Menelik Shabazz
Although not solely focused on mods, this film portrays the struggles of a young black woman named Pat, who becomes politically awakened amidst the backdrop of the mod subculture. It provides a unique perspective on the intersection of race, gender, and youth culture during that time.
Starring: Cassie McFarlane, Victor Romero Evans, Beverley Martin, Angela Wynter, Malcolm Frederick, Chris Tummings, Trevor Laird, Corinne Skinner-Carter, Marva Buchanan, Larrington Walker, Millie Kiarie, Nicola Wright, Ruddy L. Davis, Suzanne Auguste, Brian Bovell, Basil Oton, Vinny, Trevor Ward, Stella Orakwue, Andy de la Tour, Lynval Dunn, Errol J. Edmondson, Janet Kay, The Government, Eunice Allen, Junior Green, Ian Cullen, Les Clark, Steve Kane, Brian Lintz, GaryMcDonald, Derek Moss, Charles Pickess, Jeff Silk, Byron Sotiris, Doug Stark, John Cannon, Dean Garfield, Eric Kent, Angelo Papini, Terry Paris, Tony Powell, Leroy Anderson, Loftus Burton, Graham Rowe, Alan Cumnor-Price, John Challis, Tim Condren, Paula Sinclair, Malcolm Davidson;
Production year: 1981;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
“Bronco Bullfrog”, 1970
Director: Barney Platts-Mills
This gritty and realistic film offers an authentic portrayal of working-class mods in East London. It follows a teenager named Del who embarks on a relationship with a girl named Irene while navigating the challenges of his social and economic circumstances.
Starring: Del Walker, Anne Gooding, Sam Shepherd, Roy Haywood, Freda Shepherd, Dick Philpott, Chris Shepherd, Stuart Stones, Geoffrey Wincott, J. Hughes Sr., Mick Hart, Ken Field, Marguerite Hughes, E.E. Blundell, J. Hughes Jr., Trevor Oakley, Tina Syer;
Production year: 1970;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 86 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Bronco Bullfrog” on the website imdb.com
“The Jam: About the Young Idea”, 2015
Director: Bob Smeaton
This documentary chronicles the rise and influence of The Jam, a British band that was heavily associated with the mod subculture. It offers a comprehensive look at the band's music, lyrics, and their impact on the mod scene.
Starring: Paul Weller, Steve Brookes, Rick Buckler, John Weller, Bruce Foxton, Adrian Thrills, Chris Parry, Vic Coppersmith-Heaven, Barry Cain, Derek D'Souza, Keiko Egawa, Martin Freeman, Eddie Piller, Paul Abbott, Maria McHugh, Den Davis, Ian Snowball, Mark Baxter, Dave Pottinger, Steve Cradock, Russell Hasting, Nicky Weller;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: documentary, music;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The Jam: About the Young Idea” on the website imdb.com
“Made in Britain”, 1982
Director: Alan Clarke
Although not solely about mods, this film explores the life of Trevor, a young skinhead who shares some similarities with the mod subculture. It delves into the themes of social alienation, racism, and rebellion, offering a raw and thought-provoking portrayal of youth culture in 1980s Britain.
Starring: Tim Roth, Terry Richards, Bill Stewart, Eric Richard, Geoffrey Hutchings, Sean Chapman, John Bleasdale, Noel Diacomo, Maurice Quick, Sharon Courtney, Steve Sweeney, Kim Benson, Catherine Clarke, Jean Marlow, Jim Dunk, Vass Anderson, David Baldwin, Allister Bain, Richard Bremmer, Brian Hayes, Jiri Stanislav, Frankie Cosgrave, Christopher Fulford, Eric Kent, Joan Ware, Madelenine Athansi, Virginia Fiol, Hyacinth Malcolm, Cathy Murphy, Gary Patrick, Ava Hrela;
Production year: 1982;
Genre: drama, crime;
Duration: 76 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Made in Britain” on the website imdb.com
These films provide a glimpse into the fascinating world of mods, showcasing their fashion, music, and the challenges they faced as a subculture. Each film offers a unique perspective on the mod scene, capturing the essence of the era and its impact on youth culture.
In conclusion, films about mods offer a captivating exploration of youth culture, rebellion, and the search for identity. These films delve into the vibrant world of the mod subculture, immersing viewers in a kaleidoscope of stylish fashion, pulsating music, and the thrill of scooters racing through the streets. Through compelling storytelling and dynamic characters, these films examine the complexities of youth in search of meaning and belonging, as they navigate the clash of societal expectations and their own desires for self-expression. From the iconic “Quadrophenia” to the gritty realism of “This Is England,” these films about mods leave a lasting impression, reminding us of the enduring power of youth culture and the timeless quest for individuality.
