Style Wars (1983)

A documentary that exposes the rich growing subculture of hip-hop that was developing in New York City in the late '70s and early '80s, specifically focusing on graffiti art and breakdancing.

Director:

Tony Silver

Stars:

Demon, Kase 2, Eric Haze

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Demon	...	Himself
Kase 2	...	Himself (as Kase)
Eric Haze	...	Himself (as SE 3)
Spank	...	Himself
Trap	...	Himself
Kay Slay	...	Himself (as Dez)
Butch
Skeme	...	Himself
Zone	...	Himself
Min One	...	Himself (as Min)
Cap	...	Himself
Michael Martin	...	Himself (as Iz the Wiz)
Quik	...	Himself
Mare	...	Himself
Li'l Seen	...	Himself

Storyline

A documentary that exposes the rich growing subculture of hip-hop that was developing in New York City in the late '70s and early '80s, specifically focusing on graffiti art and breakdancing.

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Plot Keywords:

breakdance | subway | new york city | hip hop | graffiti | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Music

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1983 (USA)

Also Known As:

Graffiti-háború

Company Credits

Production Co:

Public Art Films

Technical Specs

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Henry Chalfant was originally against having Cap appear in the film because he had become friendly with the graffiti artists whose work Cap had ruined. But Tony Silver insisted that Cap appear because his name was repeatedly mentioned by the artists. Some of the artists felt betrayed by Chalfant because they felt that he gave Cap the attention that he sought.

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Quotes

Skeme's Mother: What you got is a whole miserable subculture.

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Connections

References The Beastmaster (1982)

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Soundtracks

Feel The Heartbeat
Performed by The Treacherous Three

User Reviews

Amazing Documentary

This documentary on subway grafitti in New York City in the early 1980s had it all: it was beautifully shot, had a great soundtrack, and captured the essence of what was going on in the city after the 70s and under the regime of Mayor Kotch. The best thing about this documentary is how it can be studied on so many levels- it makes you realize why "bombing" is done and what it accomplishes. It helps you understand the psychological reasoning behind it, and how it plays on human character traits such as territorial rights, pursuit and the need for recognition. It shows how graffitti had a strong impact on society, and how it tore some homes apart. A must see- plus a great representation of early hip hop music and style. Love those TWAs! (Teeny Weeny Afros!) 9 out of 10.