Lords of Dogtown
They came from nothing to change everything.
Overview
The radical true story behind three teenage surfers from Venice Beach, California, who took skateboarding to the extreme and changed the world of sports forever. Stacy Peralta, Tony Alva and Jay Adams are the Z-Boys, a bunch of nobodies until they create a new style of skateboarding that becomes a worldwide phenomenon. But when their hobby becomes a business, the success shreds their friendship.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Set against the backdrop of the emergence of skateboarding culture in California during the 1970s, 'Lords of Dogtown' reflects the real-life competition between local teams, their rivalries, and the influence they had on shaping modern skateboarding.
- Engaging storytelling of the true events of the Z-Boys skateboarding team in Venice Beach, California during the late 70s and early 80s.
- Strong performances by Emile Hirsch, Heath Ledger, and Victor Rasuk bring the characters to life.
- Exploration of themes such as friendship, ambition, and the impact of fame on youth culture.
Fun Facts
- Heath Ledger's character, Gary LeVaugn, is loosely based on Jay Adams, but many details of his life were altered for dramatic effect.
- The iconic Dogtown logo featured in the movie was actually designed by a teenage Craig Stecyk III, one of the film's consultants.
- Some scenes from the film were shot at the actual Venice Beach skateparks where the Z-Boys trained.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"They came from nothing to change everything."
Deutsch
DE
Title: Dogtown Boys
"Sie kamen aus dem Nichts und veränderten alles."
Français
FR
Title: Les Seigneurs de Dogtown
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Český
CZ
Title: Legendy z Dogtownu
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Magyar
HU
Title: Dogtown urai
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Español
ES
Title: Los amos de Dogtown
"Nunca pensaron que serían famosos, pero siempre pensaron que serían amigos."
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
***The birth of skateboard culture***
In the mid-70s, the accomplishments of the innovative Zephyr skateboarding team of Venice, California, are dramatized based on events chronicled in skater Stacy Peralta’s documentary “Dogtown and Z-Boys” (2001). John Robinson plays Stacy, Emile Hirsch plays Jay and Victor Rasuk plays Tony (aka T.A.). Heath Ledger is on hand as Skip Zephyr while Rebecca De Mornay appears as one of the teens’ struggling mother.
While I suppose “Lords of Dogtown” (2005) is a sports flick, it’s just as much a coming-of-age movie detailing growing-up on the bad side of Venice, aka Dogtown, the birthplace of America’s skateboard culture, which influenced the world.
It reminded me of the dissolute environment depicted in “River’s Edge” (1986) with elements of Jim Morrison’s hedonistic misadventures from “The Doors” (1991), but combined with skateboard action, like skating in dry backyard pools and various competitions. It’s a good movie with slightly amped-up events (so what else is new?), but somewhat hampered by a curiously dismal air with occasional dialogues that don’t work. Maybe I found it slightly depressing because it reminded me of the glory & shame of my teen years. The 70’s soundtrack is great, however.
The film runs 1 hour, 47 minutes and was shot in the Los Angeles area, including Venice Beach, Imperial Beach and Santa Monica.
GRADE: B-
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar
Media
Trailer
Lords of Dogtown ≣ 2005 ≣ Trailer
Trailer
LORDS OF DOGTOWN Original Theatrical Trailer