Flex Is Kings
Deidree Schoo, Michael Beach Nichols:
Flex Is Kings (USA, 2013)
83 min. - English
-S-
Flex Is Kings is a beautifully filmed documentary about the king of New York street dance battles: Flexing. Flex was born on the streets of Brooklyn and the style is spreading like wildfire amongst the youth. The style is built around battles which simulate the violence and defiance of street fights, but in a benevolent, humorous way. Even for a layperson the choreographies of the dancers seem hypnotic. The dance scenes are also skillfully filmed in a way that respects the dancers†admirable balance and coordination.
The main characters of the film are all a part of the Brooklyn Dance community that arranges the main event of Flexing, Battlefest. The charismatic head of the movement, Flizzo, is a local legend that has never been beaten in a battle. Jay Donn, whose skills approach acrobatics, has a chance to become a star. He gets a contract as a primary dancer with an experimental dance company, but can this guy who learned to dance on the streets work together with a professional choreographer? Flex is Kings grows from a dance film to a beautiful depiction of a community where creativity and passion offer a way out from the streets.
The name Flex derives from the word â€flexibilityâ€, and it is very descriptive. The dancers†ability to move and bend their bodies borders unreal. Indeed, the best parts of the film are the achingly beautiful dance scenes that have been filmed in subway stations, on bridges, and even in the snow at the park. This is a must see film for all street dance enthusiasts, but you donâ€t have to understand dance in order to enjoy it. This humane story with engaging characters and fun, astonishing dance moves will captivate anyone. Flex is Kings is one of the greatest street dance films of all time.
Sun 17th Nov at 1:15pm Tapio 3