Penelope Spheeris

The Decline of Western Civilization Part III

The underdogs of the underpass

Over the years, Rokumentti has screened the first two parts of Penelope Spheeris’ legendary music documentary trilogy The Decline of Western Civilization. Now, all three films are returning to cinemas in newly restored versions with Finnish subtitles and Part III premieres at Rokumentti!

In this raw and unflinching finale, Spheeris rips away the last traces of punk’s glamour, diving deep into the shadows of Los Angeles, where so-called gutter punks – homeless youth – live anarchy for real. Here, punk isn’t about music; it’s about survival. Haunted by trauma, addiction, and alienation, these kids form their own kind of family, bound by rebellion and defiance. Brutal, honest, and deeply human – this is punk stripped to the bone.

Trailer