Quadrophenia
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Quadrophenia
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Quadrophenia is a 1979 British cult classic about two rival gangs, with multiple violent scenes, strong language, and drug taking. Jimmy (Phil Daniels), becomes a member of the Mods, a scooter gang who has a fierce rivalry with the motorcycle-riding Rockers. The two gangs have mass brawls, run each other off the road, and there are some instances of groups attacking single victims. Characters are shown to enjoy the thrill of the violence, which is whipped up by the rivalry between the two gangs. There is also some instances of domestic abuse, including Jimmy's parents hitting him and pushing him down the stairs. Drugs feature heavily with characters generally shown enjoying their effects. But one character has a negative experience when he takes too many pills during a period of high anxiety. Most characters smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol. There is constant strong language, including multiple uses of the "C" word. Women are discussed in derogatory terms and there is both racist and homophobic language. There is non-sexual full-frontal male nudity alongside multiple sex scenes. Posters depict topless women and in one scene, a character masturbates over a photo of a model. Central to the movie is an examination of individuality and a sense of belonging. The movie is based on album by British rock band The Who, who feature prominently in the movie -- their record sleeves and posters are depicted on screen while the band also provides the film's soundtrack.
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What's the Story?
In QUADROPHENIA, it's the mid-1960s and troubled young Mod Jimmy (Phil Daniels) is counting down the days before a big battle with his gang's rivals, the Rockers. Before then he needs to get through work, stock up on drugs, and make the most of London's swinging nightlife, while avoiding the pressures of growing up.
Is It Any Good?
In its classic scenes, this British cult drama manages to show all the thrills, highs, and lows of teen life. In what was director Franc Roddam's debut feature, Quadrophenia shows young characters with honesty and no judgement. It is every bit as fun, occasionally ugly, and upsetting as the heady days of discovering early independence and finding a direction in life can be. Boasting a charismatic performance from Daniels and a zippy direction, like Richard Linklater's Dazed and Confused, the film's characters are concerned with three things: sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll, and their pursuit of these is a fun and honest ride.
If Roddam had been left to make a movie with no strings attached, it could have been a masterpiece as well as a classic. But squatting over the whole thing is the bloated presence of rock band The Who. Released in 1979, the movie was a nostalgic period piece harking back to the mid 1960s, so the movie's rock band producers feature heavily. But other than one scene where a packed club goes wild to My Generation, these scenes just feel shoehorned in. The rest of the early 1960s soundtrack is blissful though, and despite all the violence, tears, and messy decisions, Jimmy and the gang are fun company.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Quadrophenia. Did it feel realistic? Why were the two rival gangs figthing? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Talk about the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? How did it make you feel to hear it, especially the racist and homophobic language? What did it contribute to the movie?
Discuss how drinking, smoking, and drug use were depicted. Were they glamorized? Did the characters need to do these things to look cool? What were the consequences?
How was sex portrayed in the movie? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
The movie is considered by many to be a "cult classic." What makes something a "cult" hit?
Movie Details
- In theaters: November 2, 1979
- On DVD or streaming: September 25, 2001
- Cast: Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Phil Davis
- Director: Franc Roddam
- Studio: Brent Walker Film Distributing
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 120 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Dazed and Confused
Edgy coming-of-age tale has underage drinking and drug use.
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Tommy
Trippy rock opera with drug references and sexual imagery.
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American Graffiti
Coming-of-age classic still a must-see for teens.
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