The music video for Green Day's is a landmark in modern rock, often described as the " Bohemian Rhapsody of Punk Rock ". Directed by Samuel Bayer —who also helmed Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit"—the video serves as a gritty, cinematic visual companion to the 9-minute epic from the 2004 album American Idiot . Production and Versions

Released in October 2005, the video was an ambitious undertaking that pushed the boundaries of the medium:

: The character of "Jesus" represents a youth "without faith or direction," grappling with a broken home and a mother who is often absent.

: The protagonist is shown in a crucifixion position in the streets, symbolizing how he takes on the "sins" and pain of suburban kids whom society often ignores.

: There is a 12-minute extended version featuring additional dialogue and a 6.5-minute "director's cut" that focuses purely on the music.