NG83 When We Were B Boys

NG83 When We Were B Boys is a poignant and thought-provoking British documentary released in 2016 that provides a vivid window into the world of breakdancing and the youth subcultures it helped define during the 1980s.

Directed by the talented Claude Knight, this documentary provides an in-depth look into the unique experiences of a group of breakdancers from Nottingham, England. These breakdancers formed a group titled "NG83," which stems from the Nottingham area code. As you dig deeper into the narrative, "NG83" does not only stand as the symbol of the area code but also represents the collective identity of breakdancers, friends, and the various ups and downs experienced while navigating through their often bumpy paths of life.

The movie masterfully encapsulates nostalgia coupled with a distinct human experience, charting the lives of these five individuals - Robert "Bubbles" Riley, Michael "Mystro" Carrington, Jacob "Spartacus" Cunningham, Marius "Showtime" Mates, and Paul "Danger" Dilly. These individuals were not only iconic figures in the breakdance scene, but they also played pivotal roles in encouraging and promoting the dance form during their time.

NG83 When We Were B Boys brilliantly documents their journey, revisiting their heyday when they ruled the breakdancing scenes with their electrifying moves and rhythmic synchrony. It gives a vivid portrayal of the hopes, dreams, turmoil, and determination they had during their prime. This intensely personal narrative draws the audience into the beats of their past, leaving them enlightened and in awe of the passion and struggle underlying this urban dance form.

The film uses a mixture of archival footage, present-day interviews, and spectacularly crafted narrative sequences to give a comprehensive understanding of the rise and fall of the breakdancing era. The interviews done with the members of NG83 in their middle age bring an emotional depth to the film. It provides viewers with fascinating insights into their lives as they delve into their past triumphs, challenges, life experiences and what the breakdancing culture meant to them.

Moreover, NG83 When We Were B Boys does not limit itself to breakdancing. It provides a broader perspective on the social and cultural changes that swept through the UK in the 1980s. This approach gives the audience a better understanding of the young people's struggle during this era, their rebellion against the established norms, and their quest for identity and belonging in a rapidly changing society.

One of the striking aspects of this uniquely British documentary is the exceptional soundtrack curated precisely for the film. The choice of songs not just complements the narrative but also intensifies the cinematic experience, making it even more enthralling for the audience. Furthermore, by featuring the music so relevant to that era, the film manages to immerse the audience in the nostalgia of the 80s era and the breakdancing culture that marked it.

Another significant strength of the movie is its rawness and authenticity. The struggles of these individuals and their undying passion for breakdancing are well captured, making it a must-watch for any dance enthusiast or people interested in subcultures and human life stories. From their early fascination with breakdance, their undying love for it, the tribulations that came with it, to their reflection upon their past, the movie covers it all without any pretense.

NG83 When We Were B Boys offers a refreshing glimpse into a bygone era; of adolescence spent in the recklessness and abandon of youth, embracing the culture and subculture of the 80s, and of coming of age. It's a time capsule that revisits the raw energy of the youth, their aspirations, failures, and resilience against a backdrop of social change.

In conclusion, NG83 When We Were B Boys is a beautifully crafted documentary that offers much more than just a glimpse into the breakdancing culture. It's a tribute to its protagonists' dedication and passion for dance, their urge to upset the status quo, and their desire to define their own identity. It's an exquisite narrative of nostalgia, friendship, struggle, and youth that firmly holds the audience's attention from start to finish.