Babylon (1980)

In the gritty heart of South East London, Babylon unfolds a stirring narrative of David ‘Blue’ Forde, a black mechanic by day and an electrifying reggae musician by night. The film paints a stark portrait of 1980s London, a city divided by race and steeped in poverty, leaving the black community in a constant struggle against societal constraints and limited opportunities. Blue’s life is a testament to this struggle. By day, he's a working-class mechanic; by night, he morphs into a magnetic Mic controller, fronting a reggae sound system that reverberates through the local dance halls of West London. Despite the dual life he leads, Blue cannot escape the harsh realities of his existence. As he grapples with job loss, police brutality and a tumultuous breakup, his frustrations reach a boiling point, culminating in a shocking confrontation with a racist neighbour. Babylon captures the trials and tribulations of young black individuals navigating a troubled London, chronicling the challenges they face with unflinching realism. It's a poignant exploration of racial tensions, poverty and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams amidst seemingly insurmountable odds. This gritty drama doesn't just tell a story; it invites viewers on a journey through the pulsating beats of reggae and the harsh rhythm of life in 1980s London.

Babylon is a drama movie featuring Brinsley Forde and directed by Franco Rosso.

Babylon is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Criterion Channel and Metrograph.

It is also possible to buy Babylon on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Kino Now and Vudu.