movie magic

rize, film by david la chappele

there's something magical about good movies—foreign and art movies, especially. they have this uncanny power of taking you to another world, another way of thinking almost. rize is a good example—a film i had the fortune of seeing the other night.

"Rize" reveals a groundbreaking dance phenomenon that’s exploding on the streets of South Central, Los Angeles. Taking advantage of unprecedented access, this documentary film brings to first light a revolutionary form of artistic expression borne from oppression. The aggressive and visually stunning dance modernizes moves indigenous to African tribal rituals and features mind-blowing, athletic movement sped up to impossible speeds. “Rize” tracks the fascinating evolution of the dance: we meet Tommy Johnson (Tommy the Clown), who first created the style as a response to the 1992 Rodney King riots and named it “Clowning”, as well as the kids who developed the movement into what they now call Krumping. The kids use dance as an alternative to gangs and hustling: they form their own troupes and paint their faces like warriors, meeting to outperform rival gangs of dancers or just to hone their skills. For the dancers, Krumping becomes a way of life – and, because it’s authentic expression (in complete opposition to the bling-bling hip-hop culture), the dance becomes a vital part of who they are.

“Rize” illuminates an entire community by focusing on an artform as a movement that the disenfranchised have created. But the true stars of the film are the dancers themselves: surrounded by drug addiction, gang activity, and impoverishment, they have managed to somehow rise above. The film offers an intimate, completely fresh portrayal of kids in South Central as they reveal their spirit and creativity. These kids have created art – and often family – where before there was none. (moviebox.net)

i'll be first to admit. i do not know much about what it really is like living in such "dangerous" environments. closest experience i have perhaps was when i taught up in south bronx for 2 semesters, where they'd have metal detectors in the school front door and police cars stationed in the corner during breaks and dismissal. other than that, i've lived a pretty much sheltered life, i guess.

rize gives me a window to that environment. it goes deep into the people's lives—their thoughts, wants, needs, concerns and triumphs. and though i may not share the same environment as the krumpers and clowns, the similarities far outweigh the "superficial" external differences. the hope for a better life, the drive to overcome obstacles, the passion for competition, the need for self-expression and escape, the sadness over loss, joy over victory, i realize once again, are all universal.

rize has that power of taking you to another world, allowing you to briefly immerse yourself in thoughts and feelings somewhat unknown somewhat familiar and eventually it brings you back to your reality with refreshed thinking and renewed enthusiasm.

two thumbs way up. great movie. great magic.
two thumbs way down, for i know not all will get a chance to see such great magic. but if you do, do see it.