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Style Wars is a 1983 documentary that chronicles the emerging hip-hop scene in New York City during the early 1980s. The film explores the world of graffiti and showcases some of the most prominent and talented graffiti artists of the time. Directed by Tony Silver and produced in collaboration with Henry Chalfant, the film features interviews with some of the most notable graffiti writers of the time, including Demon, Kase 2, and Eric Haze.

The film is set against the backdrop of New York City in the 1980s, a time when graffiti was seen as a menace to society and graffiti writers were often viewed with suspicion and contempt. Despite this, the hip-hop culture was thriving, and graffiti was becoming an important part of that culture. Style Wars captures the energy and excitement of this emerging art form, as well as the challenges that graffiti writers faced in pursuing their passion.

Throughout the film, we get a glimpse into the lives of the graffiti writers themselves, as they share their insights into the creative process and the motivations that drive them. These artists are not simply vandals, but rather they are individuals with a unique artistic vision, using the city as their canvas for self-expression.

Demon, one of the most prominent graffiti writers featured in the film, discusses the importance of "style" in graffiti writing. He explains that style is not simply about making a name for oneself, but rather it is about pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the art form. He encourages other artists to experiment and find their own unique style, rather than simply imitating the work of others.

Kase 2, another prominent graffiti writer, shares his own experiences and insights into the world of graffiti. He talks about the challenges that graffiti writers face in finding a place to create their art, and the constant risk of being caught by the authorities. He also discusses the distinction between "bombing" and "piecing" (two different styles of graffiti), and the different motivations that drive each of these styles.

Eric Haze, a graphic designer who was heavily involved in the hip-hop scene during this time, also features prominently in the film. He explains the role that graffiti played in shaping the visual aesthetic of hip-hop culture, and how it helped to inspire fashion, music, and other creative endeavors.

Ultimately, Style Wars is a powerful and captivating glimpse into a world that most people never get to see. It is a tribute to the creativity and resourcefulness of the graffiti writers who worked tirelessly to make their mark on the world, despite the many challenges and obstacles they faced. It is a film that celebrates the power of self-expression, and the importance of being true to oneself and one's own creative vision.

Style Wars is a 1983 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.