Guy Davis, Jim Borrelli, Jon Chardiet

A slightly dated but nonetheless fascinating snapshot of musical history, Beat Street is an urban musical detailing the roots of hip-hop. Set in early-1980s New York, the film focuses on the li...( read more  read more... )ves of a small group of young people setting their experiences against the larger backdrop of the city's burgeoning music scene. The story of up-and-coming DJ Kenny (Guy Davis) and his relationship with jazz musician Tracy (Rae Dawn Chong) may only be a device, but it's surprisingly effective, as is the ultimately tragic tale of graffiti artist Ramon (Jon Chardiet). The movie's real raison d'être, however, is to showcase the sounds of the street, so it's full of some of hip-hop's most influential names--Melle Mel, Doug E Fresh, Kool Moe Dee, the Rocksteady Crew, Jazzy Jeff, and Arthur Baker. And while the combination of electro and rapping may sound a little crude to modern ears, there can be no doubt that Beat Street is the sight and sound of history being made. --Phil Udell

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84% liked it

6,578 ratings

PG, 106 min.

Directed by: Stan Lathan

Release Date: June 8, 1984

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DVD Release Date: April 15, 2003

Stats: 392 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (392)


  • September 23, 2009
    I said a hip hop, hip hip hop and body pop down to your video shop (and rent this movie!). I bet they don't have it in though
  • June 26, 2008
    Bronx teens who display their graffiti skills want to be seen as artists, not vandals. Too bad someone vandalized the script.
  • October 30, 2009
    some great songs on the sound track. + the battle at the roxy.
  • May 7, 2009
    I love this film! Hip hop the way it was and should of remained! Great soundtrack, ive been looking for it for yeeeaaarrrsss.
  • January 25, 2009
    I recently watched this again with my daughter's father in Brooklyn. He had no idea what a classic this movie was; he is from the islands. Once he saw the breakdancing he was glued! Wait til I show him Breakin'. I also saw Lee in the Bronx on Fordham road and he still looks the s...( read more)ame! Cap to the side and everything! He was eating a bag of chips; too funny! The only thing he didn't rock was the gazelles.
  • November 27, 2008
    holds up pretty well
  • October 24, 2008
    This is the best of the breaking movies (IMO). It doesn't have over-the-top choreographed numbers. The acting was REAL (probably because most of the cast were/are actually performers -- crews and rappers). On the matter of music, it was fantastic. I know most people harold "Break...( read more)dance: The Movie (Breakin')" as the best urban dance flick, but "Beat Street" has a real feel, which is what MAKES the movie. There isn't much of a story, but that adds to the reality of it. Rather than a plot, it shows progression down chosen paths. The dancing is incredible, showcasing individuality. One scene did irk me, guess which one. Okay, I'll tell you. A battle in the subway. I would've preferred they left that one out or planned the choreography better. Eventhough I totally digged Ice-T in "Breakin' 2" for his studded-out style, overall the fashion in "Beat Street" kept my eyes glued to the screen -- true 80's ny street-scene. I fell inlove. Breakdancing used to be a part of my white-bred, middle-class youth. Everytime I see this movie, I'm inspired to take it up again. The music makes you want to move, and while watching battles, you catch yourself mimicking their performance. The best movies are the ones which inspire.
  • June 2, 2008
    I seen this one in the Drive In when I was younger. It was so cool.

Critic Reviews


Comments


  • trailertrasher
    July 15, 2008
    So much unused footage was shot for Beat Street...one day...
  • IRONMANBLAST
    October 4, 2007
    BAH YOU GONE !!! THIS FLICK IS THE ILLNESS
    STAY THE FUCK OF THE TOPIC IF YOU GONNA DROP THE BALL

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Beat Street Trivia


  • What actress links Commando, Cheech & Chong's The Corsican Brothers, Tales from the Darkside: The Movie, American Flyers, and Beat Street?  Answer »
  • An aspiring DJ, from the South Bronx, and his best friend, a promoter, try to get into show business by exposing people to hip-hop music and culture. (hint, it has performances by Doug E. Fresh, Kool Herc and Brenda K. Starr)  Answer »
  • Name the 1984 breakdancing movie starring Rae Dawn Chong as an upscale girl who falls in love with a DJ?  Answer »
  • In the 1984 break-dancing/hip-hop flick, Beat Street, what is Ramon's passion in life.  Answer »

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