Watch Breakarate

Breakarate is a Gunpowder & Sky original series released in 2017 and consists of eight episodes. Created by Aaron Vanek, it is a high-energy comedy martial arts show that takes place in a suburban town in Southern California. The show follows four friends, each with their distinct personalities, as they navigate their way through life while mastering Breakarate, a mashup of breakdancing and karate.

The first episode sets the scene by introducing the four friends, named Dylan, Iggy, Sloan, and Ash, who have a penchant for troublemaking and mischief. Dylan is the group's leader, a charismatic and confident young man who dreams of becoming a YouTube star. Iggy is the shortest member, with a loud and enthusiastic personality. Sloan is the only girl in the group, and the most sensible and logical member. Lastly, Ash is the biggest member of the group, and the most laid-back and calm. Each of them has a distinct personality that complements other members, and together they are a well-oiled team.

The concept of Breakarate is unique in its approach, blending together breakdancing and karate with some of the most innovative moves. The martial-arts aspect of the show is not entirely serious, with the show creators using the action sequences as a way to inject humor into each episode, a noteworthy risk that pays off. The moves are extravagant, often having no relation to a typical martial arts form, but they are always fun to watch.

The core theme of the show is the friendship between the four characters. The experiences they share, like living together in a garage and dealing with the complications that come with relationships, are things that most people can relate to. The show creators have done an excellent job of keeping the balance between humor, drama, and action. The comedy in the show is often quirky, at times bordering on slapstick, which can be engagingly silly and endearing.

One of the most notable characters is the group's mentor, a man named Sensei Shirato. He's an expert Breakarate master who takes the kids under his tutelage, helping them hone their Breakarate skills and guiding their lives. Sensei Shirato is played by actor David Alan Graf, who gives him a magnificently wacky personality and a crazy sense of humor that steals the focus in every scene he is in.

The antagonists of the show, the Corrupt, are a street gang that terrorizes the town. Led by their ruthless leader Crusher (Francis Beraña), the Corrupt serve as the primary source of danger for the group. Although their plan to take over the town seems mundane, the show creators play with it enough to keep the plot engaging. The Corrupt adds a level of seriousness and tension that perfectly contrasts the lightheartedness of the group's antics.

The cinematography and the music in the show are outstanding. The music is a mix of modern-day tunes and old-school beats, adding to the show's exciting pace and energy. The camerawork is also noteworthy, with the scenes capturing the Breakarate fights being exceptionally striking. The use of slow-motion and quick cuts adds to the action and spectacle.

Breakarate is an excellent series to watch for anyone looking to take a break from the usual dystopic and gritty shows. The show is a delightful combination of wittiness, humor, action, and drama. The characters are relatable, and their antics, both mundane and epic, make for excellent entertainment. With fun-loving Breakarate fights and touches of street culture, this show sets out to create a world of its own, a world where friendship, loyalty, humor, and, of course, Breakarate, rule.