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Planet B-Boy
Elephant Eye Films


9.6

based on 13 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 8 votes
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MPAA RATING: Not Rated

Starring Knucklehead Zoo

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 "break dancing." Weaving between the vivid backdrops of Osaka, Paris, Seoul, and Las Vegas, spectacular choreography frames the intimate stories of dancers who struggle for their dreams despite being misunderstood by their larger societies and their own families. An American dancer in Vegas looks for his big break; a Korean son seeks his father's approval; a 12-year-old boy in France confronts his family's racism. All of the b-boys' lives collide in Germany where their skills are put to the ultimate test: the "Battle of the Year" finals, with crews from 18 nations vying for the title of World Champion. (Elephant Eye Films)

GENRE(S):	Documentary
DIRECTED BY:	Benson Lee
RELEASE DATE:	DVD: November 11, 2008 Theatrical: March 21, 2008
RUNNING TIME:	101 minutes, Color
ORIGIN:	USA

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Baltimore Sun Michael Sragow

The shows themselves are extraordinary, especially Japan's Ichigei group, which has the all-out fun and athleticism of a vitaminized Twyla Tharp troupe.

The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Liam Lacey

What's fun about Benson Lee's documentary Planet B-Boy isn't just the amazingly athletic displays of B-boys he puts on screen, but the film's sense of cultural discovery.

Boston Globe Wesley Morris

It looks great and the dancing is the kind of stuff that would upstage the average pop star.

TV Guide Maitland McDonagh

The crews are perfectly cast for maximum drama.

New York Daily News Elizabeth Weitzman

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.

San Francisco Chronicle David Wiegand

Infectiously energetic.

The Hollywood Reporter Justin Lowe

An eye-catching combination of cultural history, performer profiles and competition footage that should see enthusiastic response from niche audiences in urban and specialty venues.

The New York Times Matt Zoller Seitz

From moment to moment, Planet B-Boy is fun, sometimes thrilling and packed with illuminating details and striking personalities.

Variety Dennis Harvey

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.

Austin Chronicle Marc Savlov

It turns out globalization has its good points after all, and they're sporting Chucks, Kangols, and post-Gomi DIY gear. Spin again.

Washington Post Ann Hornaday

For all the energy and personality of its subjects, Planet B-Boy tends to drag, especially toward the competition finals.

Village Voice Ed Gonzalez

Lee pays little attention to the roots of breakdancing or how it helped to spread hip-hop worldwide, choosing instead to obsess over the mad skillz of his international subjects.

New York Post Kyle Smith

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 1 1/2-hour movie.

The average user rating for this movie is 9.6 (out of 10) based on 8 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Tom G. gave it a10:
An amazing movie that isn't just about dancing but the lives behind the members and the personal struggles they have to go through to reach their dreams.

Josh B. gave it an8:
If you watch the trailer and think you might like this movie, you will like this movie. Great mix of drama, humor, and cool dancing. (and in general, I don't give a crap about dancing or hip hop)

Maciek K. gave it a10:
Phenomenal break dancing. Compelling personal profiles. Would have preferred more non-stop dancing, but well worth a viewing. I hope that the DVD has the whole battle show.

B. C. gave it a10:
Awesome! Thanks for making this documentary!

Bboy W. gave it a10:
Great documentary on bboying or breakdancing. I loved it not only because of the amazing moves but because it gives people who are unaware of bboying a taste of the bboy culture and lifestyle.

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Planet B-Boy Elephant Eye Films

Planet B-Boy
Elephant Eye Films