Hit So Hard

Stirring rock documentary with themes of survival, redemption, and good old woman-power. What small-town girl doesn't have dreams of being in a rock band? But Patty Schemel actually went out and did it, on her own terms and without miniskirts and push-up bras.

The treasure trove of archival footage was fascinating on its own, but was well put to use in service of Schemel's story. I laughed out loud at her "typical drummer" goof-ball pranks, and some comical interview footage of her Hole band mates, but also teared up at several points during her descent and eventual triumph.

Ms. Schemel is not simply a female drummer who can keep a beat like the guys; her big heart beats throughout the documentary. I can't wait to see it again. She's a hero.

As a long-time fan of the band, I was completely riveted. I learned so much I didn't know. Patty went thru so much!!! Great interviews and a great film. The audience in the theater where I saw this were all totally into it. I had a real long talk with some other fans after the screening. We all agreed that "Hit So Hard" gave us more of an understanding of the band HOLE and also what it's like to be a woman drummer in the music business. I actually made some new friends! :) I recommend this film to anybody who is into HOLE or also drummers and women musicians. If this movie doesn't make you want to crank up your HOLE CDs then you don't like music. Just kidding. It's a real good movie.

This film, about a young woman finding her way in music and life, who just happened to be the drummer of the Epic Band HOLE during my younger years, made me see my own struggles, and had me cheering for her all the way. PATTY SCHEMEL ROCKS!!!

Cobain, Love, and Schemel made the ultimate alternative family. there was love, through it all. And today, love is alive.

Director P. David Ebersole takes a celebrity type story and paints a swirling life lived fully, yes roughly, and now admirably. Patty and her Alternative Family of Today are showing the world that young girls rock, need to rock, will rock, and should be supporting in their rocking. It's an important story. A big story. A personal story. A universal story.

Ebersole and Hughes manage to avoid all the pitfalls of your average Fall and Rise story. It's incredibly touching without ever being sappy or self-indulgent. What comes across is the story of a really clever, talented, brave woman who you end up rooting for regardless of whether you were a fan or not. You see people rather than icons which is so rare and refreshing. There's also a real story here with some great twists which I won't give away.

If you are a fan (I am) there's just a ton of fascinating footage that really takes you back to that time. The interviews are candid, relaxed and very real which is a testament to the film-makers. Ebersole shows respect for his subjects and it shows. I saw it with a group of friends and we were still talking about it the next day.

"Hit So Hard", directed by the gifted and multi-faceted filmmaker, P. David Ebersole, chronicles the life of one of rock's most talented drummers, Patty Schemel, of the band "Hole". Great archival footage with thoughtful structure pulls in all the elements that make this film an amazing rock doc.

The interviews are solid, funny, and touching with voices that are rarely seen on camera - such as a comprehensive section on female drummers. There is, of course, just a touch of super rare footage of Kurt and Courtney's but just as it relates to Patty. The film does a wonderful job of keeping the focus on Patty without venturing into the usual suspects. We gain insight on what it was like to come out as a gay teen and later as a gay musician in the limelight. Patty's mother and brother add sentimental stories that connect you to Patty's complexity.

So personal and layered, it will leave you feeling so satisfied. Highly recommend!