Watch Rize

Rize, a 2005 documentary directed by David LaChapelle, delves into the world of clowning and krumping, two unique forms of dance in South Central Los Angeles that emerged from the community's need to escape the harsh realities of life and express themselves. The movie focuses on the lives of Tommy the Clown and his crew, one of the pioneers of clowning, and Larry Berry and his crew, who are the founders of krumping. The documentary captures the energy, passion, and the drive that these dancers have for their art form.

Tommy the Clown, a former drug dealer, changed his life after he stumbled upon clowning. He saw it as a way to keep kids off the streets and away from drugs, and he's been entertaining them ever since. Tommy's style is flashy, filled with acrobatics, and emphasizes humor, making it a popular hit at parties and dance competitions. He's like a pied piper, leading the kids away from violence and crime.

Larry Berry, on the other hand, grew up in a neighborhood where shootouts and gang violence were an everyday occurrence. He founded krumping as a response to the violence and hardship he faced every day, aiming to create a safe haven where he and his friends could express themselves creatively. Krumping is characterized by its intense beats, aggressive movements, and emotional involvement. It's a dance that expresses raw emotions through freestyle, which acts as an outlet for the pain and struggles of everyday life.

The documentary shows how these dance forms have evolved into something more than just steps and rhythms. They have become a way of life, a way for young people to survive in difficult neighborhoods where violence is a constant threat.

The movie also shows the disparities between the different communities in Los Angeles. While these dances originated in the Black and Latino communities, they've become popular across all races and ethnicities. People from all over the city are drawn to these dance styles, but the opportunities and resources available to these dancers differ vastly based on their socio-economic status.

The film captures the essence of krumping and clowning through amazing dance performances and interviews with the dancers. The footage showcases the energy, excitement, and skills required to perform these dances, but it also highlights the struggles that the dancers face.

Although the movie is centered around Tommy the Clown and Larry Berry, there are other dancers who are equally instrumental in the development and evolution of these dances. Dragon, one of the top krumpers, is featured prominently and provides insight into the deep-seated emotions and pain that are put on display when krumping. The film shows how he found solace in krumping, and how the dance form helped him rise out of poverty and find a sense of belonging.

Rize is not just a movie about dance. It's a powerful story about the human spirit and how people find ways to cope and rise above their circumstances. The documentary showcases how the dance forms are much more than just entertainment; they're a powerful catalyst for social change, a way to give young people hope, and ultimately, a way to achieve their dreams.

In conclusion, Rize is a must-watch for anyone who wants to experience the raw energy and emotions of two unique dance styles that have become so much more than just entertainment. The documentary provides a glimpse into the lives of those who have found solace, hope, and passion in these dances, and how they have transformed their lives and the lives of those around them.

Rize is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 74.