“Seoul Searching” follows a group of Korean teenagers in 1986 who travel to South Korea to participate in a government-sponsored program to help reconnect them with their roots. They’ve come from all over the world, from the United States to Hamburg, to party hardy in their homeland, flirting and drinking the nights away. However, the teens also learn a little bit about their ancestors’ struggles, and slowly come to terms with their own issues at home and abroad as well. Watch an exclusive clip from the film featuring Sid (Justin Chon) and Grace (Jessika Van) share a sweet moment in front of a Buddha statue.
Read More: Meet the 2015 Sundance Filmmakers #69: ‘Seoul Searching’ is the Angsty ’80s Korean Teen Dramedy You Never Realized You Wanted
“Seoul Searching” is written and directed by Benson Lee based on his own experiences as a teenager. His previous credits include “Planet B-Boy,” a documentary about the history of breakdancing and its global resurgence, and “Battle of the Year,” a 3D dance film based on “Planet B-Boy” starring Josh Holloway (“Lost”), Chris Brown (“Think Like a Man”), and Josh Peck (“Mean Creek”). The film is also executive produced by Ken Jeong, best known for his role on Dan Harmon’s sitcom “Community” as well as his appearances in “The Hangover” movies. “Seoul Searching” stars Justin Chon (“21 and Over”), Jessika Van (“The Gambler”), In-Pyo Cha (“Crossing”), Teo Yoo (“Day Night Day Night”), and more.
“Seoul Searching” premiered at last year’s Sundance Film Festival. It opens in New York City on June 17th and in Los Angeles on June 24th.
Read More: The Biggest Challenges the 2015 Sundance Filmmakers Faced
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Related stories'Wiener-Dog' Trailer: Greta Gerwig Befriends a Dachshund in Todd Solondz's Dark Sundance Comedy'Captain Marvel' Rumored To Be Directed By 'White Girl' Helmer Elizabeth Wood'The Birth of a Nation' Live Poster: Nate Parker Asks You to Stand With Him in New Look at Sundance Winner...
Read More: Meet the 2015 Sundance Filmmakers #69: ‘Seoul Searching’ is the Angsty ’80s Korean Teen Dramedy You Never Realized You Wanted
“Seoul Searching” is written and directed by Benson Lee based on his own experiences as a teenager. His previous credits include “Planet B-Boy,” a documentary about the history of breakdancing and its global resurgence, and “Battle of the Year,” a 3D dance film based on “Planet B-Boy” starring Josh Holloway (“Lost”), Chris Brown (“Think Like a Man”), and Josh Peck (“Mean Creek”). The film is also executive produced by Ken Jeong, best known for his role on Dan Harmon’s sitcom “Community” as well as his appearances in “The Hangover” movies. “Seoul Searching” stars Justin Chon (“21 and Over”), Jessika Van (“The Gambler”), In-Pyo Cha (“Crossing”), Teo Yoo (“Day Night Day Night”), and more.
“Seoul Searching” premiered at last year’s Sundance Film Festival. It opens in New York City on June 17th and in Los Angeles on June 24th.
Read More: The Biggest Challenges the 2015 Sundance Filmmakers Faced
Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.
Related stories'Wiener-Dog' Trailer: Greta Gerwig Befriends a Dachshund in Todd Solondz's Dark Sundance Comedy'Captain Marvel' Rumored To Be Directed By 'White Girl' Helmer Elizabeth Wood'The Birth of a Nation' Live Poster: Nate Parker Asks You to Stand With Him in New Look at Sundance Winner...
- 6/13/2016
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
Korean-American filmmaker Benson Lee won the Jury Prize at Sundance with his Competition Drama, Miss Monday, in 1998. A decade later he returned with Planet B-Boy, a critically-acclaimed, commercially-successful doc about breakdancing crews competing in an international competition. Lee’s success with Planet B-Boy led to both a studio deal and a career setback. Battle of the Year, a Sony production based on B-Boy, was as critically derided as the doc was praised, and it was a commercial failure to boot. This year, Lee returned to the site of his Miss Monday success — the Sundance Film Festival — with an […]...
- 2/13/2015
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Korean-American filmmaker Benson Lee won the Jury Prize at Sundance with his Competition Drama, Miss Monday, in 1998. A decade later he returned with Planet B-Boy, a critically-acclaimed, commercially-successful doc about breakdancing crews competing in an international competition. Lee’s success with Planet B-Boy led to both a studio deal and a career setback. Battle of the Year, a Sony production based on B-Boy, was as critically derided as the doc was praised, and it was a commercial failure to boot. This year, Lee returned to the site of his Miss Monday success — the Sundance Film Festival — with an […]...
- 2/13/2015
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Chicago – This Thursday marks the beginning of the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, and yours truly will be in attendance to cover the fest for HollywoodChicago.com. Last year, the Park City, Utah event introduced the world to its 2014-defining sensations like “Whiplash” and “Boyhood”.
Those titles followed in the paths of indie landmarks such as “sex, lies and videotape,” “Clerks,” “Hoop Dreams,” “American Movie,” “Memento,” “Frozen River,” “Winter’s Bone,” and “Fruitvale Station,” among many others.
In pursuit of new favorite films for a new year, I’ve composed a relatively solid schedule so that I can devour as much diverse Sundance goodness as possible. Narratives, documentaries, white supremacists, nasty babies, Neil Hamburger, Chiwetel Ejiofor, stolen cop cars, and much, much more are all in play. But with hopes that everything I witness is the next “Boyhood”-like zeitgeist, I’ll be sure to report back here on what’s worth,...
Those titles followed in the paths of indie landmarks such as “sex, lies and videotape,” “Clerks,” “Hoop Dreams,” “American Movie,” “Memento,” “Frozen River,” “Winter’s Bone,” and “Fruitvale Station,” among many others.
In pursuit of new favorite films for a new year, I’ve composed a relatively solid schedule so that I can devour as much diverse Sundance goodness as possible. Narratives, documentaries, white supremacists, nasty babies, Neil Hamburger, Chiwetel Ejiofor, stolen cop cars, and much, much more are all in play. But with hopes that everything I witness is the next “Boyhood”-like zeitgeist, I’ll be sure to report back here on what’s worth,...
- 1/19/2015
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Over 50 screenplays for Sony films have leaked online just three days after studio chief Michael Lynton‘s email inbox was uploaded to file sharing sites, according to media reports.
The titles account for past and future projects, from Kevin Hart‘s “Wedding Ringer” to a Scott Rudin-produced “Little House on the Prairie” update.
Also Read: Sony Hack: Hollywood Studios Rebuff MPAA Request to Publicly Support Sony
Reps for Sony have not yet returned TheWrap’s request for comment.
Read the full list of leaked scripts:
Unreleased movies:
“Hotel Transylvania 2″ [Third draft]
“Smurfs 3″
“Catfight”
“5th Wave”
“Annie”
“The Black Phantom”
“Inferno”
“Invertigo...
The titles account for past and future projects, from Kevin Hart‘s “Wedding Ringer” to a Scott Rudin-produced “Little House on the Prairie” update.
Also Read: Sony Hack: Hollywood Studios Rebuff MPAA Request to Publicly Support Sony
Reps for Sony have not yet returned TheWrap’s request for comment.
Read the full list of leaked scripts:
Unreleased movies:
“Hotel Transylvania 2″ [Third draft]
“Smurfs 3″
“Catfight”
“5th Wave”
“Annie”
“The Black Phantom”
“Inferno”
“Invertigo...
- 12/19/2014
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
If you think breakdancing was just a fad in the '80s, think again. It.s back and in a huge way. The urban dance craze that started in the streets of NYC was quite the in-thing three decades ago, but it seemingly died out until recently. Now b-boying (breakdancing.s original name) has captured the attention of countries around the world and director Benson Lee explores not only the resurgence of the dance movement in his 2007 documentary Planet B-Boy , but the global phenomena as well. "I was one of those kids in the '80s who was mesmerized by the whole breakdance trend. I broke out the cardboard and tried it. I wasn't a real b-boy, I just tried it out and enjoyed it. The trend died out as quickly as it came in the '80s. It was like 10 years later, I think it was after the...
- 5/13/2013
- Comingsoon.net
Watch the trailer for Battle of the Year, starring Laz Alonso, Josh Holloway, Josh Peck and Chris Brown, which looks like a ton of fun. The film also known as Battle of the Year: The Dream Team, under the direction of Benson Lee, opens September 13th and is scripted by Brin Hill and Chris Parker, based on the Planet B-Boy documentary by Lee. Battle of the Year is an international dance crew tournament that attracts all the best teams from around the world, but the Americans haven’t won in fifteen years. Los Angeles Hip Hop mogul Dante (Alonso) wants to put the country that started the Sport back on top. He enlists his hard-luck friend Blake (Holloway), who was a championship basketball coach, to coach his team. Armed with the theory that the right coach can make any team champions, they assemble a Dream Team of all the best dancers across the country.
- 5/10/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Trailer for a dance drama called Battle of the Year: The Dream Team, which stars Josh Holloway, Chris Brown, Laz Alonso, and Josh Peck. The Screen Gems' film was previously titled Planet B-Boy, and is directed by Benson Lee. It's based on director Lee's 2007 documentary, also titled Planet B-Boy, which was set in the international world of "B-boying" (aka break dancing). The fictional narrative film inspired by Lee's award-winning documentary follows an all-star American b-boy crew training to compete at the Battle of the Year International Championships in France. The crew and their coach must go up against the best b-boys in the world -- the...
- 7/23/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
The years since Step Up have seen a resurgence of dance movies on the big screen, and the next new entry into the arena will be Battle of the Year, a 3D breakdancing film featuring Josh Holloway (Lost), Josh Peck (The Wackness), and artist/actor Chris Brown.
Sony have released the first trailer from the film, and if you’re a fan of the genre in general, this could well be right up your street.
“With compelling characters and vibrant dance sequences, Battle Of The Year is set in the international world of B-boying — the urban dance more commonly known as “breakdancing.”
Unforgettable images frame the intimate stories of an all-star American dance crew who, with the help of their tough coach (Josh Holloway), struggle to reach their dreams despite being misunderstood by society and even their own families. Their lives collide in France where their skills are put to...
Sony have released the first trailer from the film, and if you’re a fan of the genre in general, this could well be right up your street.
“With compelling characters and vibrant dance sequences, Battle Of The Year is set in the international world of B-boying — the urban dance more commonly known as “breakdancing.”
Unforgettable images frame the intimate stories of an all-star American dance crew who, with the help of their tough coach (Josh Holloway), struggle to reach their dreams despite being misunderstood by society and even their own families. Their lives collide in France where their skills are put to...
- 7/23/2012
- by Kenji Lloyd
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
It seems like Sawyer did find a life off the island after all, one full of some 3D break-dancing. After a guest spot on Community and a small role in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Lost‘s Josh Holloway is back in the lead, this time as a coach of a B-boying team looking to win the world championship in the new film Battle of the Year: The Dream Team. Check out the trailer below courtesy of Sony, coming from director Benson Lee, firmly staying in the same genre after Planet B-Boy.
The film looks honestly like the Step Up franchise meets every sports drama film known to mankind. Dancers will no doubt be thrilled to see more modern choreography featured on the big screen, which means that this film could end up being a financial success in “eye-popping 3-D.” The lines present here are nothing new in terms of sports drama scripting unfortunately.
The film looks honestly like the Step Up franchise meets every sports drama film known to mankind. Dancers will no doubt be thrilled to see more modern choreography featured on the big screen, which means that this film could end up being a financial success in “eye-popping 3-D.” The lines present here are nothing new in terms of sports drama scripting unfortunately.
- 7/22/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Album is singer's follow-up to F.A.M.E., released earlier this year.
By Jocelyn Vena
Chris Brown
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
Chris Brown has already dropped F.A.M.E. this year, and now he's prepping for the release of his follow-up album, Fortune. The singer tweeted some of the titles of the singles on the album, which is expected to drop before year's end.
"Continue requesting Wet The Bed [off F.A.M.E.] at ur radio stations. Also, the new singles from Fortune are being mixed!" he wrote on Twitter. "Strip [off his Boy in Detention mixtape] is one of the singles off of Fortune so request at Radio!"
In addition to "Strip," Breezy shared a few more song titles from the album. "I'm also really excited about the release of my single titled 'Biggest Fan' produced by the Runners!" he said, before retweeting a message from his production team. "@chrisbrown 'Biggest Fan' is gonna be epic!
By Jocelyn Vena
Chris Brown
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
Chris Brown has already dropped F.A.M.E. this year, and now he's prepping for the release of his follow-up album, Fortune. The singer tweeted some of the titles of the singles on the album, which is expected to drop before year's end.
"Continue requesting Wet The Bed [off F.A.M.E.] at ur radio stations. Also, the new singles from Fortune are being mixed!" he wrote on Twitter. "Strip [off his Boy in Detention mixtape] is one of the singles off of Fortune so request at Radio!"
In addition to "Strip," Breezy shared a few more song titles from the album. "I'm also really excited about the release of my single titled 'Biggest Fan' produced by the Runners!" he said, before retweeting a message from his production team. "@chrisbrown 'Biggest Fan' is gonna be epic!
- 10/28/2011
- MTV Music News
[1] Hailee Steinfeld, Dave Franco, and Deborah Ann Woll have been offered the leads in Rosaline, a retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet that's told from the perspective of the girl Romeo ditches to be with Juliet. Michael Sucsy is directing from a script by by (500) Days of Summer writers Scott Neustader and Michael H. Weber, which in turn is an adaptation of Rebecca Serle's forthcoming debut novel When You Were Mine. The comedy will use modern-day dialogue in a 16th-century Verona setting. Woll would play the title character, while Franco and Steinfeld could play Romeo and Juliet, respectively. If Steinfeld signs on it'll be her second time playing the iconic character, as she's also lined up to play Juliet [2] for Carlo Carlei's more straightforward adaptation. Much as I like Steinfeld, her casting here strikes me as a bit off since she's eleven years younger than Woll and Franco --...
- 10/28/2011
- by Angie Han
- Slash Film
Singer, 'Lost' actor team up for Benson Lee film based on documentary.
By Jocelyn Vena
Chris Brown
Photo: James Devaney/ WireImage
Chris Brown is beefing up his acting résumé with a lead in the new flick "Planet B-Boy," alongside "Lost" actor Josh Holloway. The Benson Lee-directed film is based on Lee's award-winning 2007 documentary of the same name, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Production for the film kicks off this week in L.A. According to a description from studio Screen Gems, it "is about an all-star American b-boy crew training to compete in France at the Battle of the Year (Boty) International Championships. After a decade of defeat, the crew and their coach must go up against the best and greatest b-boys in the world: the Koreans, the Russians and the French who have dominated the original American dance form for the last 10 years."
The film also stars Laz Alonso,...
By Jocelyn Vena
Chris Brown
Photo: James Devaney/ WireImage
Chris Brown is beefing up his acting résumé with a lead in the new flick "Planet B-Boy," alongside "Lost" actor Josh Holloway. The Benson Lee-directed film is based on Lee's award-winning 2007 documentary of the same name, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Production for the film kicks off this week in L.A. According to a description from studio Screen Gems, it "is about an all-star American b-boy crew training to compete in France at the Battle of the Year (Boty) International Championships. After a decade of defeat, the crew and their coach must go up against the best and greatest b-boys in the world: the Koreans, the Russians and the French who have dominated the original American dance form for the last 10 years."
The film also stars Laz Alonso,...
- 10/27/2011
- MTV Movie News
Singer, 'Lost' actor team up for Benson Lee film based on documentary.
By Jocelyn Vena
Chris Brown
Photo: James Devaney/ WireImage
Chris Brown is beefing up his acting résumé with a lead in the new flick "Planet B-Boy," alongside "Lost" actor Josh Holloway. The Benson Lee-directed film is based on Lee's award-winning 2007 documentary of the same name, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Production for the film kicks off this week in L.A. According to a description from studio Screen Gems, it "is about an all-star American b-boy crew training to compete in France at the Battle of the Year (Boty) International Championships. After a decade of defeat, the crew and their coach must go up against the best and greatest b-boys in the world: the Koreans, the Russians and the French who have dominated the original American dance form for the last 10 years."
The film also stars Laz Alonso,...
By Jocelyn Vena
Chris Brown
Photo: James Devaney/ WireImage
Chris Brown is beefing up his acting résumé with a lead in the new flick "Planet B-Boy," alongside "Lost" actor Josh Holloway. The Benson Lee-directed film is based on Lee's award-winning 2007 documentary of the same name, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Production for the film kicks off this week in L.A. According to a description from studio Screen Gems, it "is about an all-star American b-boy crew training to compete in France at the Battle of the Year (Boty) International Championships. After a decade of defeat, the crew and their coach must go up against the best and greatest b-boys in the world: the Koreans, the Russians and the French who have dominated the original American dance form for the last 10 years."
The film also stars Laz Alonso,...
- 10/27/2011
- MTV Music News
Five actors are getting ready to bust their moves.
Josh Holloway, Laz Alonso, Josh Peck, Chris Brown and Caity Lotz have all signed on to the breakdancing drama, "Planet B Boy," according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"Planet B Boy" is based on the 2007 documentary, "Planet B-Boy" (notice that the feature version doesn't have a dash in its title -- that's how you can tell them apart), which focused on the international sensation known as "b-boying" -- or, as it's more commonly referred to here in the States, "breakdancing."
"Planet B Boy" is about an all-star American b-boy crew training to compete in France at the Battle of the Year (Boty) International Championships. After a decade of defeat, the crew and their coach must go up against the best and greatest b-boys in the world: the Koreans, the Russians and the French, who have dominated the original American dance form for the last ten years.
Josh Holloway, Laz Alonso, Josh Peck, Chris Brown and Caity Lotz have all signed on to the breakdancing drama, "Planet B Boy," according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"Planet B Boy" is based on the 2007 documentary, "Planet B-Boy" (notice that the feature version doesn't have a dash in its title -- that's how you can tell them apart), which focused on the international sensation known as "b-boying" -- or, as it's more commonly referred to here in the States, "breakdancing."
"Planet B Boy" is about an all-star American b-boy crew training to compete in France at the Battle of the Year (Boty) International Championships. After a decade of defeat, the crew and their coach must go up against the best and greatest b-boys in the world: the Koreans, the Russians and the French, who have dominated the original American dance form for the last ten years.
- 10/27/2011
- by Bryan Enk
- NextMovie
Screen Gems spilled the news today that they're already filming a feature adaptation of Benson Lee's 2007 dance documentary Planet B-Boy, about a crew of American breakdancers who compete on the world's stage against crews from foreign lands. Sure, it sounds like just another dance movie. But I ask you: What's wrong with that? I Love Dance Movies! And if you love dance movies like I do, then there are at least two additional reasons why you'll totally mark your calendars for this particular project.
- 10/27/2011
- Movieline
Production is underway for Lost alum Josh Holloway and Chris Brown’s upcoming film Planet B Boy.
Based on a documentary of the same, the film follows a crew of American street dancers as they train to compete in France’s Battle of the Year International Championships. Benson Lee, who directed the Planet B-Boy documentary, will also helm its fictional adaptation. The film also stars Laz Alonso, Josh Peck, and Caity Lotz.
No release date has been announced.
Based on a documentary of the same, the film follows a crew of American street dancers as they train to compete in France’s Battle of the Year International Championships. Benson Lee, who directed the Planet B-Boy documentary, will also helm its fictional adaptation. The film also stars Laz Alonso, Josh Peck, and Caity Lotz.
No release date has been announced.
- 10/26/2011
- by Lanford Beard
- EW - Inside Movies
Screen Gems’ "Planet B-Boy" starring Josh Holloway, Laz Alonso, Josh Peck, Caity Lotz, and Chris Brown, has started shooting in L.A. The film will be directed by Benson Lee, who helmed the documentary of the same name in 2007. The new "B-Boy" centers on American b-boy dance crew gearing up to compete against the best crews in the world at the Battle of the Year International Championships in France. The main crew wants to take the title back from the Koreans, the Russians and the French who have dominated the competition over the last decade. Beau Flynn, Tripp Vinson and Amy...
- 10/26/2011
- by Dave Lewis
- Hitfix
We often hear about the Sundance Labs for screenwriters and directors, but don't worry folks, producers aren't being neglected, in fact the Sundance Institute have a pretty good initiative for the next generation of producers. The Sundance Institute announced a series of initiatives designed to support independent producers in feature film and documentary. There are some familiar names being included among the participants. We have Kyle Martin (see pic), who we featured in our American New Wave 25 profiles, we have Adele Romanski who produced The Myth of the American Sleepover, and for those who read Filmmaker Magazine or have seen Tiny Furniture might recognize the name of Alicia Van Couvering. Here is the entire press release below: The Feature Film Creative Producing Lab, a five-day Lab for narrative feature film producers, which takes place at Sundance Resort, Utah. The Lab is designed to develop a producer's creative instincts in all...
- 8/14/2010
- IONCINEMA.com
Looks like yet another non-fiction film is about to get a dramatic feature remake: Marshall Curry’s Racing Dreams was optioned for adaptation by DreamWorks earlier this week. The movie, which was produced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, follows three kids who compete in the World Karting Association’s National Championship, in the hopes of one day becoming Nascar drivers. The remake is being produced by Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, writers of Transformers and Star Trek. Does this mean the go karts will transform into giant robots? Hopefully. Strangely, a ton of documentaries have been optioned by Hollywood lately, including The King of Kong, Sherman’s March, Ring of Fire, Crazy Love, Planet B-Boy, Air Guitar Nation and Young@Heart. (Did I miss any?) The documentary fan in me says that these movies don’t need remakes, and that the original films could play just as well to a...
- 1/28/2010
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
We've seen plenty of breakdancing and b-boys in movies and even a few b-boy documentaries before (like Planet B-Boy and Inside the Circle), but we haven't ever seen anything like this. Turn It Loose is a new documentary about the world’s greatest breakdancing b-boys. It follows six international b-boys as they compete at an old power station in the heart of South Africa. As the director explains: "I tried to make it really about what’s going on right now, make it as it is today around the world, and leave the preconceptions that people have about breakdancing out of the film." This looks like it could be great, so give it a shot! Watch the trailer for Alastair Siddons' Turn It Loose: As seen at the end, they used a Matrix-like rig for a 25 second time slide shot during the competition. Back in 2007, 16 of the world's...
- 6/20/2009
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
If you happen to have grown up during the 1980s, then you probably remember the oh-so-brief trend of break dancing (aka B-Boy) films. Granted, the trend didn't last long in Hollywood, but there were some memorable moments -- and I think we can all agree that Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo was the definitive low point. (Clearly you haven't seen Rappin', dear. -- Sw)
But no matter how bad those films got, to this day I will still stay up way past my bedtime to catch Beat Street on the late show. After the thrill of the pop and lock had faded away, it seemed that B-Boy had become just another pop-culture footnote. Fast forward to the late 90's, and the B-Boy lifestyle made a resurgence on a global scale, and in Benson Lee's 2005 documentary B-Boy Planet, he showcased the B-Boy culture to awards and acclaim. These days dance flicks are everywhere you look,...
But no matter how bad those films got, to this day I will still stay up way past my bedtime to catch Beat Street on the late show. After the thrill of the pop and lock had faded away, it seemed that B-Boy had become just another pop-culture footnote. Fast forward to the late 90's, and the B-Boy lifestyle made a resurgence on a global scale, and in Benson Lee's 2005 documentary B-Boy Planet, he showcased the B-Boy culture to awards and acclaim. These days dance flicks are everywhere you look,...
- 5/3/2009
- by Jessica Barnes
- Cinematical
I can’t dance a lick, but that didn’t prevent me from watching Benson Lee’s breakdancing documentary “Planet B-Boy” that was released a few years ago. The doc followed a select group of breakdancers from various countries as they converge on a German town to participate in the annually held Battle of the Year competition. Although there was an American crew (as they’re called), the bulk of the doc actually covered breakdancers in Asian countries, two in particular, South Korea and Japan. I won’t tell you who eventually won the competition, but I will tell you that Screen Gems and Benson Lee are planning on turning the doc into a fictional feature-length movie. Says THR: The new “B-Boy” will tell the story of a legendary b-boy crew that must return to its roots to reclaim the world championship by competing against the top international breakdancing teams.
- 5/1/2009
- by Nix
- Beyond Hollywood
The Hollywood Reporter says Screen Gems has hired Benson Lee to adapt his award-winning breakdancing documentary Planet B-Boy into a feature. Here's how the doc was described: With compelling characters and vibrant dance sequences, "Planet B-Boy" is set in the international world of b-boying . the urban dance more commonly known as "breakdancing." Weaving between the vivid backdrops of Osaka, Paris, Seoul and Las Vegas, spectacular choreography frames the intimate stories of dancers who struggle for their dreams despite being misunderstood by larger society and their own families. An American dancer in Vegas looks for his big break; a Korean son seeks his father's approval; a twelve-year-old boy in France confronts his family's racism . all the b-boys'...
- 5/1/2009
- Comingsoon.net
Screen Gems has tapped Benson Lee to adapt his award-winning breakdancing documentary "Planet B-Boy" into a feature to be produced by Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson of Contrafilm.
The 2007 documentary focused on the international world of B-boying, commonly known in the U.S. as breakdancing. Although the urban dance waned in popularity stateside after peaking in the 1980s, it has evolved and thrived in countries including Japan, South Korea, France and Germany, where in underground form it became more aggressive and athletic. "Bionic b-boying" is how Lee described it.
The doc followed dancers from several continents, culminating in a competition between crews from 18 nations vying for title of world champion at the annual Battle of the Year finals in Berlin.
The new "B-Boy" will tell the story of a legendary b-boy crew that must return to its roots to reclaim the world championship by competing against the top international breakdancing teams.
The 2007 documentary focused on the international world of B-boying, commonly known in the U.S. as breakdancing. Although the urban dance waned in popularity stateside after peaking in the 1980s, it has evolved and thrived in countries including Japan, South Korea, France and Germany, where in underground form it became more aggressive and athletic. "Bionic b-boying" is how Lee described it.
The doc followed dancers from several continents, culminating in a competition between crews from 18 nations vying for title of world champion at the annual Battle of the Year finals in Berlin.
The new "B-Boy" will tell the story of a legendary b-boy crew that must return to its roots to reclaim the world championship by competing against the top international breakdancing teams.
- 4/30/2009
- by By Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
- They tried out the distribution side of the business with doc films Planet B-Boy and Billy the Kid, and now, Elephant Eye Films are set to theatrically rep their first feature film – which appears to be quite the find according to the slew of film festival awards it has picked up since its preeming at Sundance. Sebastian Silva's La Nana (The Maid) will be released in the fall. Silva also wrote “Second Child”, which is currently going into pre-production in New York with Lee Daniels as producer. Daniels was also repped by Elephant Eyes for his “Push” film. Written by Silva and Pedro Peirano, The Maid stars Catalina Saaverdra as a maid trying to hold on to her position after having served a family for 23 years. ...
- 4/8/2009
- IONCINEMA.com
DVD Release Date: Nov. 11
Director: Benson Lee
Studio/Run Time: Elephant Eye Films, 98 mins.
Inspiring breakdance doc waves hip-hop flag
For the average person, breakdancing is merely a jocular piece of ’80s nostalgia. It calls to mind that sauced attention whore at every wedding reception who inevitably flops to the ground in the middle of a dance circle during “Billie Jean” and tries to spin on his back. But even though the b-boy phenomenon exhausted its 15 minutes in the pop-culture spotlight nearly two decades ago, it has thrived ever since in madly devoted pockets all over the globe. Benson Lee’s riveting, adrenaline-fueled documentary, Planet B-Boy, shows the unifying power of hip-hop culture by focusing on b-boy crews around the world who’ve qualified to compete in the esteemed 2005 Battle of the Year in Hanover, Germany. While it’s impossible to stress enough just how electrifying the dancing in the...
Director: Benson Lee
Studio/Run Time: Elephant Eye Films, 98 mins.
Inspiring breakdance doc waves hip-hop flag
For the average person, breakdancing is merely a jocular piece of ’80s nostalgia. It calls to mind that sauced attention whore at every wedding reception who inevitably flops to the ground in the middle of a dance circle during “Billie Jean” and tries to spin on his back. But even though the b-boy phenomenon exhausted its 15 minutes in the pop-culture spotlight nearly two decades ago, it has thrived ever since in madly devoted pockets all over the globe. Benson Lee’s riveting, adrenaline-fueled documentary, Planet B-Boy, shows the unifying power of hip-hop culture by focusing on b-boy crews around the world who’ve qualified to compete in the esteemed 2005 Battle of the Year in Hanover, Germany. While it’s impossible to stress enough just how electrifying the dancing in the...
- 11/11/2008
- Pastemagazine.com
By Cathleen Rountree "Planet B-Boy considers the international resurgence of breakdancing and closely follows five of the most prominent teams from Korea, Japan, France, and the Us as they prepare for the annual Battle of the Year (aka the 'World Cup' of b-boying) at its home base in Braunschweig, Germany, which is attended by 10,000 spectators."
Cathleen Rountree talked with director Benson Lee. The film is now out on DVD.
Cathleen Rountree talked with director Benson Lee. The film is now out on DVD.
- 11/10/2008
- by dwhudson
- GreenCine
The award winners for the 2008 edition of the New York Asian Film Festival have been announced and, with a drum roll please, here they are:
This year the New York Asian Film Festival gave two sets of awards this year. One was the Audience Award that we give every year, selected by the audience, then, for the first time ever, we had a jury who gave out five awards, including a Grand Prize.
The winners of the jury awards for the New York Asian Film Festival 2008 are:
- Winner - New York Asian Film Festival Grand Prize
Sad Vacation directed by Shinji Aoyama
- Honorable Mention and Best Ensemble Cast
Sparrow
Strawberry Shortcakes
- Best Visual Achievement
Lee Myung-Se for M
Joko Anwar for Kala
- Outstanding Achievement
Koji Wakamatsu for United Red Army
- Best Debut Feature
Ryo Nakajima for This World Of Ours
For the Audience Award we...
This year the New York Asian Film Festival gave two sets of awards this year. One was the Audience Award that we give every year, selected by the audience, then, for the first time ever, we had a jury who gave out five awards, including a Grand Prize.
The winners of the jury awards for the New York Asian Film Festival 2008 are:
- Winner - New York Asian Film Festival Grand Prize
Sad Vacation directed by Shinji Aoyama
- Honorable Mention and Best Ensemble Cast
Sparrow
Strawberry Shortcakes
- Best Visual Achievement
Lee Myung-Se for M
Joko Anwar for Kala
- Outstanding Achievement
Koji Wakamatsu for United Red Army
- Best Debut Feature
Ryo Nakajima for This World Of Ours
For the Audience Award we...
- 7/16/2008
- by Todd Brown
- Screen Anarchy
- The 2008 edition of the New York Asian Film Festival has come to a close. After 17 days of screening the best, brightest, and most bizarre the Eastern world has to offer it’s time to dole out some awards. In past years only an Audience Award was handed out but for the first time this year the fest had a sitting jury tasked with handing out an additional 5 awards to the field. Making up the jury were Vincent Musetto (film editor at the New York Post), John Mhiripiri (Coordinator/Big Cheese of the Anthology Film Archives), Dave Fear (film critic for Time Out New York), Maitland McDonagh (film critic for TVGuide.com and author of several books on film) and Benson Lee (director of Planet B-Boy). So without further ado, this year’s winners are… New York Asian Film Festival Grand PrizeSAD Vacation directed by Shinji Aoyama Honorable Mention and
- 7/15/2008
- IONCINEMA.com
- Thursday March 27th:. NYC: New Directors/New Films commenced yesterday. Great programming continues until the 9th. Friday March 28th:. Chapter 27 gets released today. What to know how many jelly donuts Jared Leto ate for the role? Ask him yourself. He appears in Person today and tomorrow at 8Pm & 10Pm at the Angelika. Saturday March 29th:. NYC: IFC Center is currently showing a 2 week run of Jeff Nichols' Shotgun Stories. A must see. Look for the film to expand in other theaters across the nation. Sunday March 30th:. NYC: Currently playing at the Quad: Cannes' entry Poisoned by Polonium: The Litvinenko Files Monday March 31st:. Bust a move. See docu: Planet B-Boy. Tuesday April 1st:. NYC: IFC Center commences the 'Stranger Than Fiction' Spring 2008 series. Opening Night film with director in person: The Order of Myths Wednesday April 2nd:. Night Off....
- 3/27/2008
- IONCINEMA.com
Breakdancing, the 1980s urban performance phenomenon that went from the streets of New York to mainstream TV and the stages of America's cultural landmarks, faded from the U.S. scene with the turn of the decade. But rather than disappearing altogether, the pastime migrated overseas, gaining popularity in Europe, Asia and South America.
Filmmaker Benson Lee catches up with breakdancing's ongoing evolution in Planet B-Boy, an eye-catching combination of cultural history, performer profiles and competition footage that should see enthusiastic response from niche audiences in urban and specialty venues before comfortably kickin' it on DVD.
In an efficient setup, several veteran breakdancers -- known as B-boys -- explain that breaking is a legitimate dance form that comprises one of the four pillars of hip-hop culture, along with DJ-ing, rapping and graffiti art. A mix of energetic dance moves, gymnastic techniques and referential styles derived from movies and martial arts, breakdancing displays an exhilarating blend of athleticism and artistry set to hip-hop beats.
German B-boy and promoter Thomas Hergenrother describes how youth worldwide were inspired by the exploits of their American heroes and developed their own dance routines during the '90s, prompting him to establish the international Battle of the Year, held annually in Germany.
Lee then segues to presenting the four principal "crews" profiled in the film -- Knucklehead Zoo (U.S.), Ichigeki (Japan), Last for One (South Korea) and Phase T (France) -- characterizing their performance techniques using informal rehearsal footage and interviews with individual members.
At the film's midpoint, the four teams converge at the Battle of the Year after winning their respective national championships. Extended breakdancing scenes showcase each group's individual style as they compete for a spot in the final competitions leading to the top prizes.
Combining performance footage, first-person interviews and archival materials, Planet B-Boy pays fitting homage to both breakers' impressive dance skills and the roots of hip-hop culture. Agile camerawork propels the narrative at a brisk pace, and crisp editing synchs rhythmically with the score's propulsive beat.
PLANET B-BOY
Magnolia Pictures
Mondo Paradiso Prods. NYC in association with Mental Pictures
Credits:
Director: Benson Lee
Producers: Amy Lo, Benson Lee
Executive producers: Johnny Lee, Chris C. Kim, Danny Huang
Director of photography: Vasco Lucas Nunes
Editors: Jeff Marcello, Benson Lee
Running time -- 95 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Filmmaker Benson Lee catches up with breakdancing's ongoing evolution in Planet B-Boy, an eye-catching combination of cultural history, performer profiles and competition footage that should see enthusiastic response from niche audiences in urban and specialty venues before comfortably kickin' it on DVD.
In an efficient setup, several veteran breakdancers -- known as B-boys -- explain that breaking is a legitimate dance form that comprises one of the four pillars of hip-hop culture, along with DJ-ing, rapping and graffiti art. A mix of energetic dance moves, gymnastic techniques and referential styles derived from movies and martial arts, breakdancing displays an exhilarating blend of athleticism and artistry set to hip-hop beats.
German B-boy and promoter Thomas Hergenrother describes how youth worldwide were inspired by the exploits of their American heroes and developed their own dance routines during the '90s, prompting him to establish the international Battle of the Year, held annually in Germany.
Lee then segues to presenting the four principal "crews" profiled in the film -- Knucklehead Zoo (U.S.), Ichigeki (Japan), Last for One (South Korea) and Phase T (France) -- characterizing their performance techniques using informal rehearsal footage and interviews with individual members.
At the film's midpoint, the four teams converge at the Battle of the Year after winning their respective national championships. Extended breakdancing scenes showcase each group's individual style as they compete for a spot in the final competitions leading to the top prizes.
Combining performance footage, first-person interviews and archival materials, Planet B-Boy pays fitting homage to both breakers' impressive dance skills and the roots of hip-hop culture. Agile camerawork propels the narrative at a brisk pace, and crisp editing synchs rhythmically with the score's propulsive beat.
PLANET B-BOY
Magnolia Pictures
Mondo Paradiso Prods. NYC in association with Mental Pictures
Credits:
Director: Benson Lee
Producers: Amy Lo, Benson Lee
Executive producers: Johnny Lee, Chris C. Kim, Danny Huang
Director of photography: Vasco Lucas Nunes
Editors: Jeff Marcello, Benson Lee
Running time -- 95 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 3/26/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
By Neil Pedley
Sxsw recently concluded a week-long unveiling of some of the best and brightest new talent that indie film has to offer, but that didn't deter established players from forging ahead with the fine traditions that have this week brought us an Owen Wilson kiddie comedy, a poker mockumentary and an imitation of whatever Asian cinema was doing four years ago.
"Boarding Gate"
Three-time Palme D'Or nominee Olivier Assayas delivers a sleek and sexually charged thriller that stars the irresistible Asia Argento as a gal on the run from Europe to Asia as she indulges in affairs with both Michael Madsen's high-flying financier and the hit man sent to target him. If you can take your eyes off of Argento, keep one eye open for a supporting turn by Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon.
Opens in limited release.
"Drillbit Taylor"
Judd Apatow tries to appeal to the...
Sxsw recently concluded a week-long unveiling of some of the best and brightest new talent that indie film has to offer, but that didn't deter established players from forging ahead with the fine traditions that have this week brought us an Owen Wilson kiddie comedy, a poker mockumentary and an imitation of whatever Asian cinema was doing four years ago.
"Boarding Gate"
Three-time Palme D'Or nominee Olivier Assayas delivers a sleek and sexually charged thriller that stars the irresistible Asia Argento as a gal on the run from Europe to Asia as she indulges in affairs with both Michael Madsen's high-flying financier and the hit man sent to target him. If you can take your eyes off of Argento, keep one eye open for a supporting turn by Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon.
Opens in limited release.
"Drillbit Taylor"
Judd Apatow tries to appeal to the...
- 3/17/2008
- by Neil Pedley
- ifc.com
- The folks over at Elephant Eye Films have passed on the teaser trailer for the release (March 21st) of Benson Lee's Planet B-Boy - a docu project that the filmmaker collected plenty of air-miles on. Below is the film's synopsis and teaser:a vibrant and infectious look at the global resurgence of break-dancing, Planet B-boy weaves spectacular dance footage with poignant personal stories. From the outskirts of Paris to the suburbs of Seoul, Korea, Lee’s film deftly spotlights how young men of such different cultural backgrounds come together for their love of dance, community, and hip-hop. Though unfairly viewed in the U.S. as a mid-eighties fad, the culture of “b-boying” has thrived overseas while remaining true to its underground roots. Planet B-boy follows crews from France, Korea, Japan, and the U.S. as they prepare for “The Battle of the Year” – an annual World Cup of break-dance.
- 12/18/2007
- IONCINEMA.com
- Unlike 2005's David Lachapelle's Rize - a docu on the dance movement called 'Clowning' that had only a niche following, Planet B-Boy looks at a retro (we are talking 80's here folks) revamped form of breaking moves that has a surprising global reach. Premiered at the past Tribeca, independent NY-based production house Elephant Eye Films are continuing the grassroots campaign - handling distribution of Benson Lee's four corner of the globes documentary with a nationwide release on March 21, 2008. We've got your first look at the poster image below (click on it for a larger version) and as usual have included the synopsis for your use... A vibrant and infectious look at the global resurgence of break-dancing, Planet B-boy weaves spectacular dance footage with poignant personal stories. From the outskirts of Paris to the suburbs of Seoul, Korea, Lee’s film deftly spotlights how young men of such
- 12/6/2007
- IONCINEMA.com
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