CBGB

CBGB

Year: 2013

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Randall Miller

DramaHistoryMusic

In New York City's Bowery neighborhood, CBGB emerged as an unexpected birthplace for underground rock and roll. The club, founded by Hilly Kristal, fostered groundbreaking acts such as Blondie, Television, and The Ramones, providing a space where they could develop their unique sound. Kristal's rule of only allowing original music helped cultivate a scene that would define punk rock, establishing the venue as a haven for artistic freedom and a symbol of creative rebellion.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen CBGB yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – CBGB (2013)

Explore the full timeline and setting of CBGB (2013). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1933, 1972

The film spans significant years that reflect a time of cultural upheaval and transformation in America. In 1933, the events depict a child's early adventures, hinting at youthful rebellion. By 1972, the punk rock movement begins to emerge as a powerful voice, challenging societal norms and fostering a new wave of artistic expression.

Location

Hightstown, New Jersey, New York City

Hightstown, New Jersey, is a small town where significant personal events unfold, including the early years of a character's life. New York City serves as the vibrant backdrop where the iconic CBGB bar is established, becoming a critical hub for the punk rock scene. This city is known for its eclectic culture and has shaped music history through its many legendary venues.

🏙️ City 📍 Historical

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:01

Main Characters – CBGB (2013)

Meet the key characters of CBGB (2013), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Hilly Krystal (Alan Rickman)

Hilly Krystal is a dedicated yet troubled character, driven by his passion for music and culture. As the visionary behind CBGB, he navigates through personal and financial upheavals while fostering the punk scene. His character embodies the spirit of resilience but also reveals the strain that ambition can place on personal relationships.

🎤 Musician 👔 Entrepreneur 🎸 Punk Enthusiast

Terry Ork (Johnny Galecki)

Terry Ork is the charismatic catalyst who brings original music to CBGB, influencing the club's direction. His enthusiasm and connections within the music scene indicate his deep passion for the arts. As a character, he represents the creative energy that drives the punk movement forward.

🎶 Musician 🎸 Influencer

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:01

Major Themes – CBGB (2013)

Explore the central themes of CBGB (2013), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎸 Music Revolution

The movie captures the spirit of the punk rock movement, which originated in places like CBGB. It showcases how music can change lives and create communities, drawing in diverse artists and fostering uniqueness. Amidst chaos and challenges, the punk culture flourishes, reflecting the resilience and passion of its pioneers.

👨‍👧 Family Dynamics

Hilly's relationship with his daughter, Lisa, highlights the struggles of balancing personal life and ambition. His neglect becomes a poignant aspect of his character arc, showcasing the often turbulent connections within families. The film delves into how ambition can affect familial ties, resonating with viewers on a personal level.

💔 Financial Struggles

The financial challenges faced by Hilly Krystal mirror the broader struggles of many artists and entrepreneurs. Despite his love for music, he often sacrifices fiscal responsibility, leading to confrontations and chaos. This theme emphasizes the sacrifices made for passion and the harsh realities of sustaining a dream.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:01

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Chaotic Creative Origin Stories like CBGB

Stories of passionate founders building messy but influential cultural hubs.For viewers who liked CBGB, this section features movies about the messy beginnings of iconic cultural spaces. Find similar films about music clubs, art movements, and underground scenes where passion and chaos collide.

chaoticrebelliousdebaucheddedicatedenergeticnostalgiccreativestruggle

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow an entrepreneur or visionary through the tumultuous early days of their venture. The journey is marked by a series of challenges—financial woes, eccentric talent, and logistical nightmares—but fueled by a steadfast dedication to an artistic ideal, culminating in a legacy that outweighs the personal cost.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a focus on the 'building the legend' phase, blending a neutral, grounded tone with a steady, chronological pacing. They capture a medium intensity from the friction between chaotic creativity and the pressures of reality, ending on a bittersweet note of triumph tempered by sacrifice.

Bittersweet Passion Projects like CBGB

Journeys where personal sacrifice fuels a cultural revolution.If you enjoyed CBGB's story of Hilly Kristal's sacrifice for punk rock, explore movies about driven visionaries. These films show characters achieving great cultural impact while facing bittersweet personal consequences.

dedicatednostalgicbittersweetsacrificelegacypassionatereflectivetriumphant

Narrative Summary

The narrative arc centers on a protagonist whose unwavering dedication to a single goal—often artistic or cultural—defines their life. The story explores the tension between their public success or influence and their private struggles, frequently culminating in an ending that acknowledges the great legacy born from personal ruin or deep sacrifice.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by a shared emotional core: a medium emotional weight derived from a protagonist's personal battles, a straightforward narrative focused on their journey, and a definitive bittersweet ending that acknowledges success while mourning the cost.

Unlock the Full Story of CBGB

Don't stop at just watching — explore CBGB in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what CBGB is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

CBGB Summary

Read a complete plot summary of CBGB, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

CBGB Summary

CBGB Timeline

Track the full timeline of CBGB with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

CBGB Timeline

CBGB Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of CBGB that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

CBGB Spoiler-Free Summary

More About CBGB

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about CBGB: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About CBGB