Movie of the Day "Style Wars"

from netflix 

This documentary, first broadcast on PBS in 1983, opened the world's eyes to the phenomenon taking over New York City. The urban landscape -- in particular, the ramshackle subway system -- had been transformed by graffiti artists who invented a new visual language to express themselves. Adding to the phenomenon, MCs, DJs and B-boys rocked the city with new sounds and moves, as street-corner break-dance battles turned into performance art.

For my money Style Wars is one of the best documentaries on youth culture out there. Sure, it's about Graffiti, an New York City subway trains - But it's also about self expression and growing up in an environment where you have to struggle to be heard.

I always think of this film as a perfect companion to Dogtown and Z-boys. Although this was made during the heyday of Graffiti culture and Z-boys came around as reminder to all of the glory days. They both have an energy to them that says a lot about the people involved.

It's great to watch Style Wars and think that these kids influenced people all over the world to express themselves through street art. What's also amazing is how unique and individualistic each Graffiti Writer is, they all have their own philosophies about what they do. And they are brought together by their love of their chosen medium.

Whenever I watch them meet up at the writers bench I think about the Surrealists all hanging out in Paris struggling to figure out a way to prove their art form to the world. Maybe it's just me but I feel that the work of these kids is every bit as valid if not more so. But, I'm no art critic.

What i do know is that this movie stands out as a shining example of curious filmmakers (on assignment from PBS) who without prejudice discover a "subculture" and respectfully portray them in away that would make the subjects proud.