Planet B-Boy ★★★

In NYC, I used to go to breakdance lessons with my colleagues after work. I unfortunately quit after a while, because I was afraid of getting a bruise before my wedding. Cindy, Moneta and I were at the point where we could do 6 steps without stopping (and thinking which leg goes where) and finally platform and headstand. Not bad for someone like me who hated sports.

Years after I quit learning breakdancing, Peter still thought I am into it and put a movie called “Planet B-Boy” on my iTouch. I finally got to watch it yesterday and totally loved it!! Even if you are not into breakin’ at all, this movie just makes you feel good after watching it.

I’ve watched a number of breakdance documentaries in the past, but they were all too repetitive and did not show anything new. Hollywood breakdance movies are okay, but there is a lack of reality. Anybody can be spinning in the air with a help of wire like Kung Fu movies.

In contrary, Planet B-Boy is a documentary about an annual break dance battle held in Germany. The film crew follows selected teams that have the most potential of winning. USA, France, and to my amazement, Korea and Japan.

USA is the origin of breakdancing, and this time, the crew (team) comes not from NYC or LA but from Las Vegas.

France’s team comes from a suburban town outside of Paris where the majority of residents is of African descent. It was commented in the movie that French breakers have the best style. Whatever they do, their breakin’ has a touch of class, and I totally agree. My favorite is Franck II Louise, who is perhaps the most creative breakdance choreographer I’ve ever heard of.

<Franck II Louise in Breakdance Convention in London 2007>

Then Korea. Korean B-Boys are apparently sweeping battle titles all over the world. Their strength is the technique that other countries have never seen before. The representative team from Korea was from a small village where parents think b-boying is all about wiping a floor. Since most of these b-boys were coming from poor families, wining the battle meant a promise for future show offers and steady income. I immediately voted for this team.

Japanese B-Boys are known for their creativity. I’ve seen some breakdance on TV and was quite impressed. I was hoping that the Japanese B-Boys will show the fun side of breakdancing in the battle, and they did not disappoint me.

<UNIQLO Mixplay>

In the movie, Korea and Japan go to the final battle ground. A scene where a Korean B-Boys saying “we cannot lose against Japan” reminded me of the sad history between Japan and Korea. Another Korean breakdance specialist said “we may have forgiven Japanese, but we will never forget.” He is right. It should never be forgotten, and I was emotional to see Korean and Japanese B-Boys embracing one another after the Korean team won the 1st place.

It’s just amazing to see how creative and exciting breakdancing has become. I thought to myself, our future kids do not have to bring home good grades, but if they can bust a killer strike, then I will bake them yummy banana bread ♪