I just have to rave about a documentary I saw last weekend with my family. Planet B-Boy takes you into the world of modern day breakdancing battles. From the film's official web site:
With compelling characters and vibrant dance sequences, PLANET B-BOY is set in the international world of b-boying - the urban dance more commonly known as "breakdancing." Weaving between the vivid backdrops of Osaka, Paris, Seoul and Las Vegas, unforgettable images frame the intimate stories of dancer who struggle for their dreams despite being misunderstood by larger society and even their own families. An American dancer in Vegas looks for his big break; a Korean son seeks his father's approval; a twelve-year old boy in France confronts his family's racism - all the b-boy's lives collide in Germany when their skills are put to the ultimate test: the "Battle of the Year" finals, with crews from 18 countries vying for the title of world champion.
There's one scene where one of the Korean crews runs back to their room after eating at the school cafeteria and they're making rice in their rice cookers and talking about how they hope the kimchee doesn't run out and I just laughed and laughed. I know the feeling!!
Like the documentary RIZE!, I just really appreciated getting to know the people behind the phenomenon of the dance and it was interesting to see how dancers around the world interpret b-boying as both an athletic and artistic expression.
When I was in Korea last summer for the IKAA Gathering, we were treated to a performance by the amazing group Last For One which was one of the featured teams in this documentary.
-- Jae Ran
I highly recommend seeing this movie if you get the chance. Check out the movie's trailer and definitely see the movie.
Here is one of the scenes from the movie featuring the Korean group, Last for One. The scene on the train is so perfect.
