Breakin' (1984)

User Rating:

4.7/10   

Director:

Joel Silberg

Writers:

Charles Parker (story) &
Allen DeBevoise (story) ...

Release Date:

4 May 1984 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Musical | Romance

Tagline:

the beat of the streets is...

Plot:

'Breakin': A struggling young jazz dancer (Lucinda Dickey) meets up with two break-dancers. Together they become the sensation of the street crowds. Features ICE-T in his film debut as a club MC. |

Plot Keywords:

One Word Title | Breakdancing | Cult Favorite | Rap Music | Dance

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Lucinda Dickey	...	Kelly
Adolfo Quinones	...	Ozone (as Adolfo 'Shabba-Doo' Quinones)
Michael Chambers	...	Turbo (as Michael 'Boogaloo Shrimp' Chambers)
Ben Lokey	...	Franco
Christopher McDonald	...	James
Phineas Newborn III	...	Adam
Bruno Falcon	...	Electro Rock 1 (as 'Bruno Pop N' Taco' Falcon)
Timothy Solomon	...	Electro Rock 2 (as Timothy 'Poppin' Pete' Solomon)
Ana Sánchez	...	Electro Rock 3 (as Ana 'Lollipop' Sanchez)
Ice-T	...	Rap Talker (as Ice T)
Peter Bromilow	...	Judge
Eleanor Zee	...	Judge
Scott Cooper	...	Judge
Ed Lottimer	...	Judge's Assistant (as Eb Lottimer)
Teresa Kelly	...	Vicky (as T.C. Laughlin)

Also Known As:

Breakdance (Philippines: English title)
Breakdance: The Movie (Europe: English title)

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Iceland:L | Singapore:PG | UK:PG | West Germany:6 | Australia:PG | Finland:K-8 | Sweden:Btl | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Golan-Globus Productions

Trivia:

Though the end credits never reveal it, Ozone and Turbo's real names are Orlando and Tony, respectively.

Goofs:

Audio/visual unsynchronized: Towards the end of the movie when Kelly and Ozone are arguing at Venice Beach, the last shot of that scene as they are walking away; Ozone says, "I want to show you what real dancing is about." You can see that Ozone's lips don't move, but you can still hear him say something.

Quotes:

Turbo: You owe me seven dollars man.
Franco: For what?
Turbo: For teaching you how to dance sucker.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987)

Soundtrack:

Tour de France

AIN'T NO STOPPIN' A GOOD MOVIE!

I just viewed an old tape of "Breakin'" last night. It's been 17 years since I first viewed it at the movies. However, I can't believe the powerful effect it still has on me. Yes, admittedly, the plot is not original, the screenplay is truly by-the-numbers, and the acting is generally amateurish. Yet, in spite of these shortcomings, the movie is still catchy, sincere, and engrossing. That's because of the talented stars who really love what they do, namely, breakdancing and "poppin' and lockin'," along with the stimulating, get-on-your-feet dance music.

This movie is like a time capsule of the 80s, with hints of the future. Moreover, I still find it to be inspirational, motivational, and hypnotic. Looking at these streetdancers and the jazz dancer go after their dreams with sheer determination, talent, and grit makes me want to jump up and do the same thing! Yes, I'm nearly fifty, but looking at this movie gave me another shot of adrenalin to do what I need to do in my daily life. "Ain't no stoppin' us" is the endless musical mantra in "Breakin'"...nothing stopped the dancers, and nothing's going to stop me, either. Watch "Breakin'" for yourself, and you'll see what I mean. 9/10 Rating.