Wild Style (1982) -
South Bronx graffiti artist Zoro is commissioned to paint a backdrop for a hip-hop concert. 8/10
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. 8.5/10
Beat Street (1984) -
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 the local culture. 7/10
Watching these movies took me back to growing up in New York in the early 80s.
Style Wars is the best of the three being a straight documentary.
Wild Style is almost as good with a threadbare plot that allows the scene to still shine.
Beat Street's story is clunky, but the dancing is spectacular and the real reason to watch.