Planet B Boy - More Than Meets The Cardboard

Whenever I visited NYC as a kid in the late 70's and early 80's, I relished each subway ride for the opportunity to gawk at the wonderful graffiti artwork that covered trains in that era. It was so New York, so cool - I never doubted its artistic merit. Breaking was another NYC product that captivated my imagination - I could barely do the dolphin, but I could dream (add MCing and DJing and you have Hip Hop). Last weekend I caught an early screening of Planet B Boy at the Landmark Sunshine Theater. Planet B Boy is a documentary about B Boys, aka break dancers - from their South Bronx roots to an annual international competition in Germany where a kaleidoscope of humanity is brought together through a love of Hip Hop. The film is wonderfully shot and edited and is a showcase for much more than moves that will make your jaw drop. The director, Branson Lee, a Korean American former B-Boy himself, has true passion and respect for the subject matter and the film delves more deeply into its character's lives than you have any right to expect. Not unlike other urban art forms that preceded it, it's through the work of someone from outside the original community that the depth of Hip Hop is revealed. First below is the official trailer, the second clip is not related to the film but contains some dope footage so enjoy!