An angst-ridden London youth, Jimmy Cooper (Phil Daniels) escapes the drudgery of his postal job and his working-class parents as a member of the Mods, a sharply dressed gang (who favoured bands like The Kinks and The Who) constantly at odds with their rivals, the Rockers (leather-clad youths who preferred the older ’50s brand of music).
When the Mods and Rockers clash in Brighton, it leads to both trouble and an encounter with the lovely Steph (Leslie Ash). Returning to London, Jimmy, who aspires to be like Mod leader Ace Face (Sting), becomes even more disillusioned and longs to return to Brighton.
Daniels is excellent in the central role, a Mod who, like most everyone else in his circle, is primarily interested in the old battle cry of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, and look out also for Ray Winstone and Timothy Spall in early roles.
The 2026 BFI FAN UK-wide season, Rip It Up, explores and celebrates the changing face of youth rebellion, culture and expression – from joy to heartbreak – on screen in the UK.
Chichester Cinema will screen four films from June to October as part of this season.
Other films:
