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Rize
- Director: David LaChapelle
- Producer: Drew Carolan; Marc Hawker
CGiii Comment
Oooh the anthropologists will be happy-clappers with this insightful documentary.
It's ultra-sexual, undeniably homoerotic and frighteningly violent, aggressive and intimidating - a true reflection, perhaps, of South Central.
This is a film about differences and divisions - they are deep and wide.
The obvious tribal parallel is made - the originality claim falls dead on its feet - so...it is accepted that these youths are going back to their roots - but then a Christian God plays a major role in their lives - yip, under-educated delusion springs forth and throughout.
The anger, the bitterness, the us-and-them - it's all here.
Sometimes, it is difficult to believe that some of these dances/dancers are not drug-induced - but that just might be the Caucasian cynicism creeping in.
LaChapelle has put together a fine film - perhaps skirting a few issues - the photography makes it more attractive than it really is...an indictment on modern living.
And...it's not only about dancing.
So...give it a chance.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
Reveals a groundbreaking dance phenomenon that's exploding on the streets of South Central, Los Angeles. Taking advantage of unprecedented access, this documentary film bring 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. 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 troupe 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).
Cast & Characters
Larry Berry as Himself;
Tommy the Clown as Himself;
Dragon as Himself;
La Nina as Herself;
Miss Prissy as Herself;
Kevin Scott Richardson as Music producer;
Christopher Toler as Lil C;
Ceasare Willis as Tight Eyez