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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.
Runtime: 1 hr 41 mins
Genre: Musical & Performing Arts
US Box Office: $0
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... [More]
Director: Benson Lee
The break-dancing documentary Planet B-Boy proves that what might be (but probably isn't) worth five minutes of your time while you're passing through the Times Square subway station really isn't worth a 11/2-hour movie.
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If I could, I would spin on my head to express how much I enjoyed Planet B-Boy.
Lee does a decent job making us care for the squads, but he does his film a better service just by pointing his camera at the breath-taking contortions of the human body.
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.
[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.
Top CriticSo 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.
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.
Regardless of its shortcomings, there is a variety of break dancing on display here that will bring the viewer up to speed on the state of the art.
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.
Planet B-Boy effortlessly makes the case that breakdancing is a genuine art form. Mixing ballet and the street, the crews are dazzling.
"Planet B-Boy" takes a step toward bringing together foreign communities by sharing a communal model of freedom of expression--the freedom of movement.
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.
The film overflows with displays of explosive dancing and does a superb job showing the form's incredible complexity and technical diversity.
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.
Top CriticNotoriety and financial reward are hard to come by in the world of b-boying, a reality illuminated by Benson Lee's documentary.
Though he doesn't break any new documentary ground, Lee knows how to shoot his subjects. Their stories are moving, and their moves are thrilling.
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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.
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.
November 06, 2008:
Evolution of breakdancing into an international phenomenon examined by electrifying documentary. 
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March 01, 2008:
Trailer & Poster review
More...
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