Review of The Gits (2008) by Jason E — 08 Apr 2010

My introduction to The Gits, was from a San Francisco band named Spokepoker who had a song that was a tribute to Mia Zapata and just a beautiful lyric by Valerie Stadler, of course it got me onto The Gits which I also fell in love with, I had lived up in Seattle and walked what I thought the road she may have taken. Hearing first hand that her killer had been caught but so hollow in the same way all lives that are abruptly ended by violence. None of those experiences prepared me for the film I was about to see.

This film is a documentary makers dream, as awful and terrible the story is, it is incredibly compelling and the performances are equal to 'The Kids Are Alright' as the labor of love is just so present in every moment.

The access to the artists and friends of the artists is unprecedented. Everyone who knew this woman, loved her. You forget that people like that even exist, and like so many, an angel taken too quickly, without grace.

The story that truly shines is that of the people she influenced and the incredible resilliance of her father who I have to say, have never seen a more pure soul in understanding in sphere-of-self and grace.

Also a inspiration for me in the way The Gits grew from nothing to a community that came together to make something wonderful together. They were not adversarial with other bands. They were partners. If you need a little extra star power, imagine seeing Joan Jett playing with the surviving members to raise funds to hire a detective and you can see the stretch this band had. If we could all just set aside our bullshit and just start and band and sing about what is on your mind.

If you like honest music and if you are a fan of indie and a fan of punk, you have GOT to see this movie. Call me up, I'd love to see it again!