DCSIMG
 
 

Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2007)

Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2007)
Play Trailer and Clips
Member Rating:  
In 1981, Canadian heavy metal band Anvil released their first album, Hard 'n' Heavy, which earned them a potent reputation among discerning headbangers and established them as one of the pioneering acts of the speed metal movement. Anvil had a loyal following in their native Canada and they shared stages with some of the biggest names in heavy rock, but the lucky break that would have elevated them to real stardom never came, and legal troubles helped to derail the group's career in the mid-'80s. Years later, the likes of Metallica and Slayer would cite Anvil as a key influence, but lead vocalist Steve "Lips" Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner struggled to keep the band alive, recording new material for tiny independent labels and trying to organize club tours as they juggled day jobs, families, and adult responsibilities. Documentary filmmaker Sacha Gervasi follows Kudlow and Reiner as they struggle to keep their ambitions alive despite 35 years of missing the brass ring in Anvil! The True Story of Anvil, which paints a sympathetic but warts-and-all portrait of the unexpected consequences of the rock & roll dream. Anvil! received its American premiere at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

 Read More


Director(s):
Sacha Gervasi
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
NR
Format(s):
DVD
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 

Synopsis of Anvil! The Story of Anvil

In 1981, Canadian heavy metal band Anvil released their first album, Hard 'n' Heavy, which earned them a potent reputation among discerning headbangers and established them as one of the pioneering acts of the speed metal movement. Anvil had a loyal following in their native Canada and they shared stages with some of the biggest names in heavy rock, but the lucky break that would have elevated them to real stardom never came, and legal troubles helped to derail the group's career in the mid-'80s. Years later, the likes of Metallica and Slayer would cite Anvil as a key influence, but lead vocalist Steve "Lips" Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner struggled to keep the band alive, recording new material for tiny independent labels and trying to organize club tours as they juggled day jobs, families, and adult responsibilities. Documentary filmmaker Sacha Gervasi follows Kudlow and Reiner as they struggle to keep their ambitions alive despite 35 years of missing the brass ring in Anvil! The True Story of Anvil, which paints a sympathetic but warts-and-all portrait of the unexpected consequences of the rock & roll dream. Anvil! received its American premiere at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Director(s):
Sacha Gervasi
Producer(s):
Rebecca Yeldham
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
NR
Categories:
Documentary
Anvil! The Story of Anvil Awards:
  • 2009 - Austin Film Critics - Best Documentary
  • 2009 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Documentary
  • 2009 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Documentary
  • 2009 - Online Film Critics Association - Best Documentary
Looking for special editions of Anvil! The Story of Anvil?
See All Versions
Subtitles:
Check All Versions
Closed Captioning:
Check All Versions
 
 
 
 

IN-STORE

 

ON DEMAND

Blockbuster Instant Video

Watch thousands of movies instantly on your TV, tablet, mobile phone or computer with no monthly subscription. You pay only for what you watch.
 

What's Your Take?

Add to FavoritesIn Favorites  |  Share:     Email to a friendShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
    YOUR REVIEW
    WRITE A REVIEW
     
    1000 
     
    Member Reviews
     
    William T.

    When i first saw this movie listed i thought just another "SpinalTap"! was i ever wrong!!! This is a must see movie for people who believe or want to believe that dreams can come true. Im sorry to say that somewhere i missed ANVIL during the eighties. But this movie has so much heart and soul to conquer the dream that it s relevant whether or not you love Metal Music. This is a true inspirational movie to living your dream til you see it thru, and the people who stand behind you even when everyone else thinks your crazy. A true testament to friendship and dedication in the face of everyday life and adversity. These Guys deserve everything they never got and i hope they relish in the recognition and fame cheated them for so long. WRT

    Yes   |   No

     
    Anthony C.

    This is a very interesting piece since I have never heard of ANVIL before and I didn't fall asleep during it. It never explains what happened and how ,which we may never be know. The thing I got from it though is the dedication the members have to pursue something that they love to do. I don't see many artists with this and they also were actually smiling while performing and these guys do! Who cares if they never made it big, ANVIL shows that you never leave anything on the table and ask "what if?" I truly admire them for all the trials and tribulations they have gone through. None of these new artists even come close to these dudes... I am actually going to dig up all the past albums and cd's and give them a good listen. Glad that I watched it :-) Rock on ANVIL!

    Yes   |   No

     
    Steve H.

    Incredibly genuine, passionate and unique characters, and a remarkable story of persistence. The moment the movie ended I googled anything and everything I could find on Anvil. I really wanted to know how it all turned out for these guys.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 25 Reviews