Widely considered the most influential hip-hop movie of all time, this "gritty, streetwise musical"(LA Herald-Examiner) features a who's who of the movement's early starsKool DJ Herc, KoolMoe Dee, Doug E. Fresh, Afrika Bam... more »baataa and Melle Melas well as the famous Rocky Steady Crew vs. New York City Breakers battle at the Roxy. Uniting the four elements of hip-hopbreakdancing, DJ-ing, MC-ing and graffitiinto an unforgettable experience, Beat Street is a true classic, packed with sharp lyrics, powerful moves and the flashiest dance sets the screen has ever seen! When rapper-DJ Kenny (Guy Davis) meets cultured jazz artist Tracy (Rae Dawn Chong), he is so inspired by her dedication that he vows to use his talents to escape the ghetto. But when his friend, a gifted graffiti artist, is killed in a tragic accident, Kenny comes face to face with the high price of artistic passion.« less
"A true hip-hop classic. I was first introduced to this film through my mother who was a teenager at the time of it's original release in 1984. Thanks to this movie, at 9 years old, i have a greater appreciation for hip hop and better understand its origins. This movie gives an accurate representation of one of the 20th century's most influential musical genres. Unlike the other hip hop movies Beat Street accurately captures the look and feel of the hip hop culture of New York City in the 80s (sheepskins, bomber jackets, kangol hats) It also takes a holistic look at hip hop nation astutely incorporating all of its elements - rap music, break dancing, spinning/mixing, graffiti art. More than just a movie about hip hop, it is a movie about familial ties, friendship and the triumph of the human spirit. It is a must see for the new generation of hip hop soldiers. Buy it - YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED! Peace out!Leandro B. a.k.a. Rocker"
Oh My GOD!
E. Perez | Australia | 06/25/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was franticly looking for this movie not more than 6 months ago, cannot find it anywhere! . This is a movie that must be seen and owned by anyone who loves hip hop and it's culture. Unlike the other breakdance movies this one is so well made, not only does it include artist that are the foundation of hip hop such and melle mel, afrika bambaataa and tina b to name a few but it outlines the culture, from dj-ing to graffity and showdowns on the dancefloor. The rocksteady crew are pure ledgens and for them to be in this movie is just a major bonus. I am propably preaching to the converted here but if you are into hip hop or just listen to the music, you have got to get this movie, hopefully it will come out on dvd 'cos the music would absolutely ROCK."
A Breakdance Movie with a Hollywood Touch...
S. Richardson | 08/25/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This movie is about how life was for urban NYC youngsters during the early 80's. Hip-Hop gave rise with its four elements: Graffiti, Breakdance, MCing, and DJing running wild through the streets. This was the rich culture that people all over the world immersed themselves in and were impacted by. But I agree with those that say Hollywood exploited this culture we call Hip-Hop. They made this movie without understanding its true meaning and essence. But this movie is a fun watch because there are many big names known to the Hip-Hop world in it like the Rock Steady Crew and NYC Breakers, Kool Herc, Doug E. Fresh, Kool Moe Dee, and many other big names. If anything, this movie is remembered for one thing and that is the notorious ROXY scene and the battle between two great breakdance crews, RSC and NYC Breakers. It's probably one of the best battle scenes ever. I also like this movie because they had a couple of scenes at my alma mater, CCNY. The romance and drama is typical of Hollywood and it doesn't really help to formidably portray the Hip-Hop culture in anyway, rather it takes away from the few notable parts in the movie. They should of omitted the fakery and just focused on what it claims to be about, Hip-Hop. I think it would have had a better reputation and gotten much more respect from those who actually lived the culture during that period. I recommend "Wild Style" or "Style Wars" to check out what Hip-Hop was really all about in those days. PEACE!"
Beat Street will NEVER leave the place in my HEART.
E. Perez | 08/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a very gooooood movie, I loved this movie since I was a kid growing up and now I really need to add this to my collection. I know there is another movie that came out in the 80's called "Breakin'". It's similar to Beat Street. If anyone knows where I could get my hands on that movie let me know because Iam a breakdancing-aholic. Email me if you have any clues about that movie. Thanks!!"
Beat Street is a great b'boy hip-hop movie.
S. Richardson | Shropshire, England | 06/03/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I watched the film Beat Street for the first time last night, a friend recommended it to me. He was into breakdance or breakin' as it was known in the States when he was younger.
I was very impressed by the music and thought I'd like to see the film as it contains some stunning dance sequences by the best breakers and some top tunes.WOW! This film is a classic from an era that has long been lost. I thought it was fascinating to watch and an entertaining film. The music, the dance, the graffiti, the clothes, the majortiy of things about this movie are now lost.
From the dance routines to the beautiful graffiti art work this movie is truly representative of the Hip-Hop culture. This film does actually contain a decent enough plot (about a couple of talented inner-city kids trying to break out of the cycle of poverty through performance), with the many dance sequences and tunes played over it to perfection and features many old school crews like the NYC Breakers and The Rock Steady Crew. This movie shows how life was in New York during the rise of the hip-hop era. It shows all the elements of hip-hop, the Breakdancing (b'boying), Graffiti (bombing), Rapping (MC'ing) and Dj'ing (scratching).
There are few movies that were made portraying breakdancing and hip-hop, and the talent and the art behind it has pretty much been lost today, but hopefully not forgotten. Thanks to films like Beat Street we can re-visit that time simply by popping in the video or DVD.
It's like zipping back in a time capsule to the 80's.
If you were into breakin' and hip-hop add another star! :o)"