Last weekend Tom and I were invited to a very special preview of the feature film Turn it Loose. This movie has been the most anticipated snap shot of Bboy culture since the landing of Planet Bboy in 2007. Whereas Planet Bboy followed Cru’s traveling to Germany and Battle of the Year, the Partizan film documents the worlds top 16 Bboys as they embark on Soweto, South Africa, and the internationally acclaimed Red Bull BC1.
The stage was already set, Lilou had already walked away as BC1 champion in 2005 and was fighting to regain his reputation after an unexpected round 1 departure in 2006, Ronnie had made the final in every competition since its birth, and Hong10 was fighting external expectation of being the current title holder. Add to this the arrival of super powerhouse 17 year old Taisuke and we have a battle on our hands.
The film for me cleverly captured the anticipation that is experienced before a battle, the zoning out, the almost slowed reality, and escapism found within the circle. This was conveyed via truly amazing camera work, freeze framing, and a thumping soundtrack.
If the battles are the films flesh and blood then the individuals and their personal struggles are definitely the heart of the movie. With truly moving insight, personal reflection, and pain you are brought right into the room with them. You experience their downfalls, respond to their humour and suffering, and therefore share in their triumphs both within themselves and externally during battle. By the end of the film you feel somewhat connected to the individuals like you have walked the path with them and you will undoubtedly have a favourite.
For these athletes Bboy acts as an expression of ones pain, it acts as a fuel driving them towards one goal, to hold their head high, to be the Red Bull BC1 Champion …. until next year.
The finished product has all the elements of an action packed blockbuster and more. The trailer should be more than enough to wet your appetite… turn it up!
