Directed by Canadian filmmaker Robert Pilichowski, All Out War takes us on a journey from New York to California to Toronto, giving us an in-depth look into breakdance and hip-hop culture. Pilichowski follows four of North America’s most notable dancers over a number of years as they prepare for an international b-boy competition: King of the Ring.

Casper is an eighteen-year-old Canadian now living in LA. In addition to acting in film and television he has been ferociously climbing the ranks in b-boy notoriety and accomplishment. Casper’s humility and charm draws the audience into his story, and instantly has us rooting for his success.

Alien Ness, the oldest of the b-boys, has been dancing since 1982 and has worked with hip-hop icons such as Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Salt ‘n Pepa, Public Enemy, Wu-Tang Clan, and the Black Eyed Peas. Representing both the “old school” and “new school” styles of breakdancing, his narrative is a reminder that breakdancing and b-boy culture is a relatively new phenomenon.

Toronto native Dyzee represents the immense positivity breakdancing can manifest in one’s life. Breakdancing led him out of a life of substance abuse, providing him with the tools to give back a sense of purpose and discipline to underprivileged youth all over the world. Oh yeah, he’s also pioneered and mastered his own style called “threading”.

Machine left his family in the southern US to pursue his passion for breakdance, teaching, and battling in California. His incredible dedication has earned him numerous international titles as well as roles in films like Step Up 2 and Step Up 3D.

Artistically shot, All Out War showcases the athleticism and dedication involved in breakdancing. The compelling portraits of these four b-boys are wrought by struggle and adversity; their passion and drive for their art form has provided them a channel out of poverty, violence, gang warfare and drug use. What is most remarkable about this doc is the progress captured in the individuals featured. The achievements both personal and professional of the characters take this film from a predictable “dance competition” flick to a captivating and inspiring documentary.

Watch the trailer here.

Astrid Handling