So while I might complain about some of Lee's filmmaking choices, I feel nothing but wonder and delight at seeing these dancers excel at something they love so passionately.
Planet B-Boy (2008)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:37
Fresh:33
Rotten:4
Average Rating:6.9/10
Consensus: Lee's dazzling documentary makes a compelling argument for breakdancing as an art form.
Theatrical Release:Mar 21, 2008 Limited
Synopsis:
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...
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, spectacular choreography frames the intimate stories of dancers who struggle for their dreams despite being
misunderstood by larger society and 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-boys' lives collide in Germany where their skills are
put to the ultimate test: the "Battle of the Year" finals, with crews from
18 nations vying for the title of World Champion. --© Elephant Eye Films
[More]
Director: Benson Lee
Director: Benson Lee
Producer: Amy Lo
Composer: Jim Black
Studio: Elephant Eye Films
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Reviews for Planet B-Boy
As any good film that culminates in a dance competition must, it hypes the pounding music, cheering crowds, and mawkish family backstories to the extreme.
After watching this movie, I felt like every nerve ending in my body was shooting sparks. No wonder these boys dedicate their lives to this dance. It's electrifying.
If I could, I would spin on my head to express how much I enjoyed Planet B-Boy.
An exhilarating documentary about street dancers from around the globe.
An independent generation's struggle to be understood by parents, the ravenous hunger to be affirmed as a champion, and the phenomenal creativity, skill, and athleticism of breaking.
...a well-balance work that captures the often jaw dropping performances by the dancers.
Director Lee uses some very whizzy editing, maintaining our interest over the long running time.
It’s only when Planet B-Boy settles into the stories of the 2005 tournament's hopefuls and turns into the Spellbound of bodyrockin' that the film finds its proper ambassadorial groove.
Notoriety and financial reward are hard to come by in the world of b-boying, a reality illuminated by Benson Lee's documentary.
Benson Lee's crackling 2007 video documentary follows five teams as they compete for a world title, with one amazing number after another showcasing the dancers' chorus-line precision, gymnastic athleticism, and thematic novelty.
Often exhilarating docu charts several breakdancing crews' path to the Battle of the Year, which hosts national winners from 18 countries -- not excluding Israel, Belgium or Latvia -- in dazzling competitive displays.
Planet B-Boy effortlessly makes the case that breakdancing is a genuine art form. Mixing ballet and the street, the crews are dazzling.
[Director] Lee makes a spirited and persuasive case for break dancing, not only as an art form of strength, beauty, discipline and instinct, but as a means of transcending caste and culture.
An exuberant study of the ways competition and collaboration can team up when it comes to the creativity of these guys.
The seemingly endless performances can be a bit much, but Lee's sensitivity to the need of these dancers to say something about themselves through dazzling moves is memorable.
What's fun about Benson Lee's documentary Planet B-Boy isn't just the amazingly athletic displays of B-boys he puts on screen, but the film's sense of cultural discovery.
Planet B-Boy pays fitting homage to both breakers' impressive dance skills and the roots of hip-hop culture. Agile camerawork propels the narrative at a brisk pace, and crisp editing synchs rhythmically with the score's propulsive beat.
Benson Lee’s feel-good documentary profiles five break-dancing crews as they prepare to compete at German promoter Thomas Hergenrother's international 'Battle of the Year' in 2005.
Great entertainment backed with profound social and cultural insight about the worldwide grass roots importance of breakdancing. After admiring the dancers' athleticism, you'll want to hit the gym.
Latest News for Planet B-Boy
November 06, 2008:
Evolution of breakdancing into an international phenomenon examined by electrifying documentary. ![]()
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March 01, 2008:
Trailer & Poster review ![]()
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