Style Wars

Style Wars

1983, Art and Artists  -   21 Comments
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Ratings: 8.26/10 from 42 users.

When director Tony Silver and co-producer Henry Chalfant delivered the broadcast version of their prize-winning film to PBS in 1983, the world received its first full immersion in the phenomenon that had taken over New York City.

The urban landscape was physically transformed by graffiti artists who invented a new visual language to express both their individuality, and the voice of their community.

In STYLE WARS, New York's ramshackle subway system is their public playground, battleground, and spectacular artistic canvas.

As MC's, DJ's and B-boys rock the city with new sounds and new moves, we see street corner breakdance battles turn into performance art.

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Catherine Jarvis
Catherine Jarvis
4 years ago

Inspirational. This is a snapshot the roots of modern street art and it is beautiful.

George Kirkman
George Kirkman
7 years ago

Sad commentary on life in urban neighborhoods. Self delusional that they are so important and that this gives their lives meaning. And equally sad are all these rich white elitist that are gushing over their "art." These people are the same one that lock doors at the mere sight of poor kids. I can't help but wonder where these kids are today. Did they amount to anything? How many are dead or in jail?

chard01
chard01
10 years ago

Some of these people are now mid-fifties perhaps sixty WOW!!! WTF were did the time go.

adina
adina
11 years ago

great documentary! thanks for posting

samthor
samthor
12 years ago

wow. that mother seems like a horrible, horrible woman.
So glad my mother was more supportive of my talent.

zaphodity
zaphodity
12 years ago

Check out Banksy's 'Exit Through the Gift Shop'.

Xercès Des Stèles
Xercès Des Stèles
12 years ago

wow we watched this movie in class when i was in highschool

that cap guy must be this policeman's son, his father told him to go graffiti bombing graffitis

2wid
2wid
13 years ago

there is no sound in part 4 ...

Sambo
Sambo
13 years ago

Dirty hands 2 is quite possibly the best writers video... Ever.

otter987
otter987
13 years ago

introducing the new wild style of creativity flourishing in the inner city's youth and ghetto. Becoming recognized in a world growing ever more industrial, it is the communities cry out to acknowledge what is it we are doing? The children are aware of this misunderstanding and demonstrate constructive behavior when they express themselves in a their actions. This rise in culture is to be respected and valued.

ess
ess
13 years ago

What makes Banksy a legend in your opinion? That he did a commission for some celebrity or that his/her name was mentioned in the opening theme of a simpson show? I mean honestly, you can not know who or what is a groundbreaking artist until after some time has passed. Legendary/groundbreaking these are terms that should be reserved for those who truly are. Where is your proof?

Y
Y
13 years ago

I like the style of it it shows the evolution of graffiti should definately watch "infamy" it is the modern version of this doc.

Simon
Simon
13 years ago

Interesting doc. How many other people here think that Banksy is a legend?

Matt
Matt
13 years ago

it would be cool to see a documentary about urban art or graffiti as a form of communication to the public

Audrey
Audrey
13 years ago

This documentary was UNREAL! there was absolutely nothing that was not right about it.

Hobo Divine
Hobo Divine
13 years ago

R.I.P. Frosty. :'(

sensa111
sensa111
14 years ago

Art not vandalism. Excellent film. Thanks Vlatko :~))

Sally
Sally
15 years ago

incredible, this documentary was fantastic. i would really like to see more films like this on here.