This year (2011) is a year long celebration of Pearl Jam's 20-year history and this film -- carved from never-before-seen archival footage and many hours of recently shot interviews and live performances -- is central to the celebration. A definitive portrait of the groundbreaking band, as told by award-winning director and music journalist Cameron Crowe, we become intimate with the Seattle musicians, whose sound and social consciousness were revolutionary -- they stood up to both the prevailing social politic and the imperious music industry. Reluctantly moving from small clubs to the world stage, they resisted stardom, remaining true to their art and retaining truth in that art. Still relevant today, Pearl Jam is known for their passion and philosophy; their intense, poetic lyrics about socially and emotionally marginalized young people; for their amazing relationship with their audience. They are not, however, known for personal promotion or late-night television appearances, making the revelations in this film all the more exciting.
