Anvil: The Story of Anvil

USA 2008, 80 minutes
Dir. Sacha Gervasi
Rating: [M]
Genres: Documentary, Music / Grunge & Metal

Aroview: Not a mock-umentary as you might suspect, but just as amusing and vital as the iconic parody SPINAL TAP, this tells the all-too-real story of the band "Anvil", who enjoyed fleeting success in the early 80's as the influential "demigods of Canadian metal" before fading into obscurity.

Twelve albums later and now in their 50's, we follow former school chums Steve "Lips" Kudlow and Robb Reiner through their banal day-jobs, ropey European tour and recording of their new album, observing an affecting brotherly chemistry that is also fraught with stress and frustration. Astutely made and surprisingly poignant, this is one doco that will undoubtedly help restore the respect and cult celebrity that its lovable 'unsung heroes' both crave and deserve.

"Best documentary I've seen in years" - Michael Moore

NZ International Film Festival 2008

Member Reviews

Average rating (Good Enough). Showing 1-3 of 3 member reviews.

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5 stars (Exceptional) Such heart. This is the best doco I've seen in a long time ~Boomer
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2 stars (Good Try) Didn't have much affect on me on a first viewing - will try again. ~Tubbs
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2 stars (Good Try) Not sure why this documentary exists. Is it just to show a plucky-enough band persist despite being culturally irrelevant and rejected at large? I don't know what's to get me invested in their success, and their story is common without being relatable. ~Pop&Coffee