RISE: The Story of Augustines

This is two films in one. It's an excellent music documentary, splicing together high-octane footage of Augustines and Pela performances that take you right back to their high-energy, fully-committed, passionate, entertaining live shows. But it's also a brutally raw look at a band whose members have suffered a disproportionately large amount of tragedy at such an early stage of their lives. It's a testament to their dedication, tenacity, strength, drive & passion that they've had the success that they've had and continue to have in the face of such adversity. I can't recommend watching this film enough.

Admittedly I'm a huge fan of Augustines, seeing them many times before they went their separate ways. Whilst familiar with the band's backstory, especially the tragedies faced by frontman William McCarthy, the film expertly tells their story. It is a sad but ultimately uplifting story, bringing forward the warmth of the band, and their electric live performances. This film comes highly recommended to any music fans

A heartbreaking story that tells the journey of one man; starting life from a broken home, battling against everything that life threw at him, his brother and sister. The film tells what is eventually a triumphant story...but the there are a number of stories coming together during the film, that will give you a greater understanding of family, friendship and then an Englishman who binds them together, as battles with drink, drugs, mental health...and finally the music industry take their toll. The story of William McCarthy is told by first time director and former guitarist of The Boxer Rebellion - Todd Howe. Funding the film originally through fans of the band, as a kickstarter project, the film went on to make its premiere at the Sundance film festival 2018 and went on to be crowned - Winner Royal Gem at the Queen Palm IFF 2018. You may have missed the music the first time around but don't miss the film, it might just inspire you to Rise as well!

The story of Augustines is one of perseverance in the face of adversity, and how, with the bond of music and brotherhood, you can rise again no matter what life throws at you. Music documentaries are sometimes limited beyond an easy sell to a fanbase, so in many ways the biggest achievement of Todd Howe's remarkable film is the ease at which it transcends being merely a film by fans, for fans. This is a film for everyone. Singer/songwriter William McCarthy's story is in itself fascinating, and as a focal point for the film, you'd be hard pressed to find many people more charismatic, engaging and honest, but piecing that story together on film, whilst also doing justice to the extraordinary live Augustines experience, is no easy feat. The film balances both expertly. Rise will break your heart and then make it soar. An extraordinary experience and must watch film.

Three days after watching Rise - The Story of Augustines for the first time, I'm still trying to come to terms with the wave of emotions that this film evokes. Documenting the trials and triumphs of the rock band Augustines and its individual members, Rise grabs you by the collar and shakes you awake from the opening scenes. Emotionally charged, heart-breaking and life-affirming, this offering from Todd Howe and Mike Baum is an honest commentary on the motivations beneath the creative drive of the modern songwriter and the struggle faced by musicians amidst the changing face of the modern music industry. A must for genuine music fans and casual browsers alike.