Watch Inside The Circle

Inside The Circle is a 2007 independent film written and directed by Marcy Garriott. The movie revolves around the life of a struggling inner-city teen, Omar, who dreams of becoming a professional breakdancer. He along with his street dance crew, have their sights set on winning the $5,000 prize money at the Bronx Ultimate Battle, which is regarded as the ultimate dance competition. However, the path to victory is far from easy as they face stiff competition from rival teams and struggle to raise the funds needed to participate in the competition.

The movie captures the essence of the underground hip hop dance scene and the challenges faced by young people living in inner-city neighborhoods. The story is set against the backdrop of the Bronx in New York City, which was the birthplace of hip hop culture. Through the eyes of the main character, Omar, we get a glimpse into the struggles and aspirations of young people in the community.

Romeo Navarro plays the role of Omar and delivers a convincing performance as a passionate and dedicated dancer, driven by his love for the art form. He portrays the character with a combination of grit and vulnerability, which makes him relatable to audiences. Omar Davila also delivers a strong performance as Carlos, the leader of the dance crew. He is portrayed as a serious and determined individual, who leads the team through the ups and downs of the competition.

The rest of the cast is made up of Joshua Lee Ayers, Nilka Martell, and Ivan Velez among others, who play supporting roles. Their performances add depth to the story and help to create a realistic portrayal of life in the Bronx. The actors excel at portraying the struggles and emotions of their characters and bring a level of authenticity to the movie.

The movie features impressive dance choreography, which is the highlight of the film. The dance sequences are dynamic, energetic, and visually captivating. The movie showcases various styles of street dance such as breakdancing, popping, and locking. The performances are a testament to the talent and dedication of the real-life dancers who participated in the film.

Inside The Circle is more than just a dance movie; it is a story about perseverance, friendship, and the pursuit of one's dreams. The film touches on issues such as poverty, crime, and gang violence that are prevalent in inner-city neighborhoods. However, it also highlights the positive aspects of the community, such as the vibrant hip hop culture and the sense of belonging that comes with being part of a dance crew.

The film's production values are impressive, considering its low budget. The cinematography captures the energy and rawness of the dance scenes, while the sound design and music add to the movie's overall appeal. The use of real-life locations in the Bronx as the film's setting also adds to the movie's authenticity.

Overall, Inside The Circle is a must-see for hip hop and dance enthusiasts. It is a powerful and moving story that captures the spirit of the inner-city youth culture. The film's great performances, impressive choreography, and heartfelt storytelling make it an inspiring and entertaining watch. It is a true testament to the power of following one’s passion, and how it can bring people together from all walks of life.

Inside The Circle is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.4.