Something's Happening

If you ever feel like experiencing what it must have been like being part of the west coast hippie counter-cultural scene back in the late 60's, well this documentary is about as good a way to go. Set predominantly in the Haight-Ashbury district and a rural commune called Strawberry Fields, this is a ground level look at the freaks, long-hairs and beatniks of this time and place. The approach taken by the film-makers is of the show don't tell variety, to that end there is no narration. This allows the participants to talk for themselves, which unavoidably leads to a great deal of pretentious waffle. Occasionally a nugget of truth comes through and while the hippies come across nowadays as spectacularly naïve, they nevertheless seem earnest. Also included are an extended psychedelic dance routine to some blaring acid rock, body painting, LSD trips and a finale in which a large gathering assembles for a protest against the Vietnam War. Priceless time capsule stuff.

Most of the reviews of the DVD of "Mondo Mod" and it's counterpart of the same DVD package "Hippie Revolt", fails to mention the most interesting element of each film. And that is the commentary track on this DVD that is totally synced-up with movie. Johnny Legend and another person with him (sorry I forgot his name) Provides probably the most insightful and observant commentary about each film and what they experienced in that period. In fact, it is absolutely a delight to listen to! They were there! They can describe what the real story is behind the film footage. The movies alone with the original soundtrack only rates a 3. But with the commentary track I rate each film an 8! Please everybody if you buy or rent the DVD, don't ignore the commentaries. Highly recommended!