Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that the documentary shows the development of a dance form called krump, or krumping, which consists of fast gyrations and extremely athletic movements. These include the "stripper dance" (thrusting and butt-shaking), and other highly imaginative, aggressive, and stylized moves. The dancers discuss their onerous backgrounds (absent parents, violent neighborhoods, ongoing poverty, drug dealing, deficient schools), and use some street language.
Families who see this documentary might discuss the resolve shown by these young dancers, as they resist involvements in violence, gangs, and drugs. How does dedication to dancing (in groups and individually) encourage kids to stay focused on constructive self-expression? How does krump also help create a sense of unity and support, through competitions as well as mentoring relationships? What is the connection between this kind of dancing and religious organization, faith, and community?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Cynthia Fuchs
Vibrant, insistent, and in your face, this documentary charts the development of a dance form called krumping. As revealed in David LaChapelle's RIZE, krump is just stunning to see, all spastic-seeming gyrations, athletic and creative brilliance, and startling velocity (a note at the start of testifies that no footage has been "speeded up"). The film cuts together sensational dance imagery (low angles, close-ups, mobile frames that can barely keep up with the performers), rehearsal sessions, shots of "daily life" on the street and in church, and talking heads to show krump's wide-ranging appeal and participation.
At the forefront is Tommy the Clown, credited here with originating the style in his performances at children's birthday parties. As he and other interviewees tell it, krump has since become an alternative to gang culture as the dancers -- mainly kids from South Central L.A. -- have organized competitions and found in the movement a source of inspiration and self-expression.
The film shows, too briefly, that krump emerges from and reflects historical circumstances, stretching back to the 1965 Watts riots, through the economic downturns of the '80s, and the 1992 uprising. The subculture plainly draws from hip-hop (especially breakdancing) as well as ballet, modern dance, and clowning traditions, and transgender and skateboard innovations. And like other forms of expression for exploited or minority communities, krump has recently entered mainstream popular culture (say, voguing), most visibly in the form of music videos by Missy Elliot (last year's "I'm Really Hot" and currently, "Lose Control"). The documentary shows, however, that krump also remains rooted in L.A., and that its purveyors are protective of its politics.
Amid its exhilarating dance sequences and talking heads (who range from earnest to wry, cocky to grateful), the film also provides valuable personal contexts, demonstrated in older dancers' efforts to keep young beginners in school and off the streets. Here the movie also suggests that art can be an effective and ongoing response to oppression. While the film's organization is fragmented (some connections are left unexplored), it's a useful introduction to krumping. Featuring extraordinary bodies and photographer LaChapelle's signature intensity, the film is most emphatically a display of artists, as they think their way past all kinds of limits and celebrate their skills.
Families who like this movie might also enjoy other documentaries about hardworking kids, like Mad Hot Ballroom and Hoop Dreams, two fine R-rated documentaries, Tupac: Resurrection and Paris Is Burning (2990) or feature films about hip-hop dancing, Save the Last Dance and Honey (mostly silly, but Missy Elliot makes a brief appearance).
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSome dances feature sexualized moves, some language is allusive. |
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ViolenceDances are aggressive, but they are dances. |
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LanguageStreet talk. |
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Social BehaviorThese kids work hard. |
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CommercialismT-shirts with logos. |
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