Editor’s Notes: Hip Hop-Eration is currently playing in Toronto at The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema.
Though I have mixed feelings about Hip Hop-Eration as a whole, there is one thing I know for sure; the seniors, who continually inspire throughout the film, aren’t the reason for my indifference. This documentary from New Zealand chronicles the extraordinary story of a group of seniors, some even in their 90’s, who practice and prepare to compete in the Las Vegas World Hip Hop Dance Championships. Along the way, we get a glimpse into the lives of many of the members, regarding their life experiences – hip hop related, or not. At it’s core, Hip Hop-Eration is a humane film, with the intention of providing the audience with a look into the lives of these incredibly inspirational individuals, who defy the odds to show audiences that truly, anything is possible.
. . . At it’s core, Hip Hop-Eration is a humane film, with the intention of providing the audience with a look into the lives of these incredibly inspirational individuals.
Though the premise is undeniably sweet, there are some flaws with Hip Hop-Eration. The filmmaker, Bryn Evans, tends to focus too much on making the film entertaining; the results of which end up, actually, making the film feel less engaging. There are moments within the film, especially approaching the latter half of the film, where Hip Hop-Eration lost me, because its message becomes somewhat redundant, as the film progresses, with not much beyond the first half to offer. But regardless, the unfocused filmmaking is elevated by the charming personalities of the individuals that are actually the subjects of the film, and that’s Hip Hop-Eration’s biggest strength, something Evans neglects to show us enough of throughout the film. Yes, we see many practices and meetings and such, but the film would’ve benefited from even more interviews, because at the heart of the story are these senior citizens, who continually defy their age to do incredible things.
At the end of the day, Hip Hop-Eration is a film about incredible people, but is ultimately weighed down by documentary filmmaking that, by the end of the film, feels unfocused.
Though it doesn’t seem like each individual in the hip hop “crew,” as they refer to it, seemed to have their fair share in the interview process, the content which we did see is thoroughly the best part of the film. These aren’t the typical interviews, where we meet distinguished peoples, nor are these professors or working professionals. Rather, they are just normal people – something that’s hard to come by in documentary interviews. And the great thing about this is, is that they don’t hold back when they speak to the camera. We get a glimpse of their true selves, not ones they put on purely for the camera. Each of the individuals that were interviewed for the film have a unique, incredible story – some recalling memories of war, while others the confines of the faith. Altogether, we are able to witness a group of individuals who come together to learn and participate in something they’ve had no prior interest or experience with. It’s incredibly inspiring to see people, regardless of the confines of their age and strength, come together to create something truly special.
At the end of the day, Hip Hop-Eration is a film about incredible people, but is ultimately weighed down by documentary filmmaking that, by the end of the film, feels unfocused. There is emphasis on the wrong places and subjects, while the message the filmmaker attempts to push on the audience seems redundant by the second act. The film is saved, though, by the incredible group of individuals at the center of the film, who, with their inspiring words and acts, defy everyone’s expectations throughout.
At it’s core, Hip Hop-Eration is a humane film, with the intention of providing the audience with a look into the lives of these incredibly inspirational individuals, who defy the odds to show audiences that truly, anything is possible.
