Watch Concrete Circus

Concrete Circus, released in 2011, is a visually stunning film that brings together a group of extreme sports athletes to showcase their skills in an urban setting. The movie features some of the top performers from the global parkour and free running community, as well as BMX and stunt biking talent. The cast includes Phil Doyle, Sebastien Foucan, Bob Haro, Danny MacAskill, Kilian Martin, and Blue, among others.

The film opens with a dramatic scene of a group of people gathered around a massive concrete playground, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their heroes. One by one, the athletes appear from different corners of the park, each showcasing their own unique style and tricks. The music is intense and the visuals are stunning, capturing the sheer adrenaline and excitement surrounding the athletes as they prepare for the challenge ahead.

The movie is divided into several sections, each featuring different kinds of urban sports. For instance, one part showcases BMX riding with Phil Doyle and fellow athlete Danny MacAskill hopping and jumping around a construction site. Their fearless stunts include backflips, wall rides, and grinds, all outrageous enough to make your jaw drop.

Another section of the movie features the free running and parkour athletes as they navigate through tunnels, climb buildings, and leap from roof to roof. The film uses slow-motion and close-up shots to capture the incredible agility and precision involved in these movements, and the result is nothing short of breathtaking.

The movie also highlights the work of Bob Haro, an iconic figure in the BMX and freestyle biking world. Haro, who has been instrumental in popularizing the sport, showcases his amazing bike handling skills as he spins, jumps, and flips his bike with precision and grace.

But Concrete Circus isn't just about showing off amazing tricks and stunts. What sets it apart from other sports documentaries is the way it portrays the urban environment as an integral part of the athletes' performances. The film highlights the creativity that goes into identifying and utilizing everyday objects in their surroundings, such as rails, stairs, walls, and benches, as well as the aesthetic qualities of the cityscape. Concrete Circus is an ode to the urban playground that inspires these athletes and provides the setting for their art.

The film also incorporates a narrative arc that ties together the different sections of the movie. Throughout the film, we follow the journey of two young boys who are fascinated by the athletes and the moves they perform. As they explore the city, they discover their own talents and aspirations, and the movie ends with a sense of hope and inspiration, conveying the universal message that anyone can find their passion and make their dreams a reality.

In terms of production values, Concrete Circus is a stark departure from traditional sports documentaries. The film was shot on high-quality cameras, and the use of slow-motion and creative camera angles creates a sense of dynamism and drama that is truly cinematic. The visual effects and editing are also top-notch, with the use of color grading and post-processing adding to the film's stylish and vibrant look.

Overall, Concrete Circus is a must-watch movie for fans of extreme sports and anyone who appreciates the beauty and creativity that can be found in urban environments. The film is a testament to the skill and dedication of the athletes featured in it, and the way they use their surroundings as a canvas to express themselves. It is an exhilarating and inspiring experience that will leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the cityscape and the potential of human physical ability.

Concrete Circus is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.9.