E. Catalan "The Story Of Anvil" is a funny, yet touching "rockumentary" about a Canadian heavy metal band that somehow "missed" the boat to success in the early 80's. Myself being a metalhead in my mid 40's I remember reading lots about these guys, yet for some reason, their records were always hard to find and their music mag interviews were scarce. Musically, Anvil played heavy metal stylistically close to New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM)bands such as Saxon, Iron Maiden, Tank, Angel Witch and Motörhead. Those bands were predating the more successful (and more musically extreme) thrash metal movement heralded by Metallica and the rest of the big four. Their most known album, "Metal On Metal" was a decent stab at worldwide success, yet it was a flash in the pan and quickly faded away. With this documentary, those who've heard or knew of Anvil before will finally know the reasons of their falling by the wayside. Although rock and metal fans (and especially musicians) will no doubt enjoy the film, broader audiences will also enjoy the perils the band goes through as they struggle to get their much sought out recognition. There are some very touching moments that have nothing to do with metal and this makes the movie appealing to audiences abroad. For Lips (the band's singer and lead guitar player) and Robb (the drummer) what's more fulfilling than money is the recognition and the acclaim. We're talking middle aged men here, guys that are easily 5 years older than your James Hetfields and Lars Ulrichs, yet their passion for music has gotten stronger. Their story is the story of countless of bands with talent that never got that "golden opportunity". Where as in "This Is Spinal Tap" we laugh at the circumstances, with "The Story Of Anvil" there are moments where you could almost cry, and for those who are musicians in the making or road veterans it will hit you as hard as a freight train.I am sure with this documentary, Anvil the band got more popular than ever and hopefully they will take advantage of this opportunity. If you're a true music fan you will surely enjoy this really entertaining documentary!

rowankidman Japanese fans are the best fans in the world. In all genres, Japanese fans are LOYAL. They are the best best fans. Yes it was a well manufactured part of the film but to see that one moment in Tokyo when the band stepped out onto the stage and to see the audience and reception that the band received......it was like the complete healing of all the band's wounds disappointments sustained over many years. That is the Japanese and that is the kindness that Japan can show to outsiders. And the music that showed those "deje vu" moments of the band brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it ans watch that portion of the film as I still await for the day that I also may return once again to one of the greatest places on earth.

s_albert Let's be clear - ratings of this film should not be about Anvil's talent.Rather, ratings should focus on the unparallelled tenacity, heart and passion of Lips and Reiner. Anyone who denies these gents their well-deserved props after tirelessly and near thanklessly rocking for 30 gruelling years, does not understand the plight of the human spirit.And as depressing as playing to a 3-person audience in Middle-of-Nowhere, Slovakia might be, these boys still rock out solid set after solid set based purely on their passion for the music - a trait few and far between with many passing prima donnas who think regurgitating an 80s song should somehow catapult them to stardom.Anvil, particularly Lips and Reiner, on the other hand, could write a book on following through on your dreams...and what musical passion is all about.

Scott_Mercer "This is Spinal Tap" meets "American Movie" is probably a too-easy way to characterize "Anvil! The Story of Anvil," which is not just one of the best documentaries I've ever seen, but probably one of the best movies I've ever seen. End of sentence.We've got so many similarities to "Tap," right down to the Japanese comeback concert at the film's end. And like "American Movie," you've got the voluable front man and his silent, Zen-like buddy. Even down to the matching shots of Mark Borchardt crunching around the Wisconsin snow banks with his camera and Lips crunching around the Ontario snow banks with his grocery totes.But let's lay aside these facile similarities. Let's get down to the brass tacks of storytelling and filmmaking. The way this film used documentary elements to tell a fantastic story cannot be overstated. The film deserves study and appreciation by documentary filmmakers, both aspirants and seasoned professionals. In these matters, this film cannot be impeached. It tells an inspiring story of dedication, human perseverance, the bonds of family, and finally, FINALLY, talent triumphing over human greed and laziness.You must see this film.I'll say it, just the same way everybody else did. Even if you think you hate heavy metal music, even if you think you hate music, period, you STILL will find much that is uplifting, hopeful and heart-warming in this tale of a bunch of old guys that play electric guitars with dildos and sing songs about people being hung by their thumbs during the Spanish Inquisition. And that's saying quite a bit. But it is true.