Hip-Hop’s Role in Education Explored

Read Time:3 Minute, 19 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Rookies (Allons enfants)
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2022
Runtime: 1h 50m
Director(s): Thierry Demaizière, Alban Teurlai
Where To Watch: available now; for more information and to order, visit www.icarusfilms.com

RAVING REVIEW: Explore the heart of Paris; ROOKIES offers a riveting glimpse into the Turgot Dance Academy’s bold experiment. Directed by Thierry Demaizière and Alban Teurlai, this documentary veers off the beaten path of your standard documentary dance film to shine a light on a diverse group of students, blending the discipline of academics with the freedom of hip-hop. It’s a stirring journey marked by adversity but ultimately defined by triumph. From the get-go, this film is a deep dive into the resilience, identity, and the sheer transformative impact of creativity on young lives.

The backdrop of Paris, with all its elegance and underlying division, sets the stage for the personal battles faced by the young dancers. From dealing with family instability and financial struggles to navigating the complex quest for identity in a culturally rich metropolis, ROOKIES captures the essence of their daily struggles and victories. Through their journey, the film paints a compelling portrait of perseverance, capturing their academic reach and passionate dedication to dance.

The documentary reaches its emotional apex with a dance competition embodying much more than just a showcase. This pivotal event symbolizes the culmination of the student’s hard work, reflecting broader themes of ambition, community, and self-realization. The directors combine high-energy dance sequences with moments of personal reflection, allowing the audience to feel hip-hop’s pulse while deeply connecting with the dancers’ stories. This approach transforms the performances into narratives of struggle and success.

ROOKIES manages to approach the underlying socio-economic issues of its subjects with caution, opting to highlight the positive aspects of dance and education over delving into more profound systemic critiques. David Bérillon’s role as the educational manager illustrates the supportive ecosystem that fosters these young talents, emphasizing the critical role of mentorship and guidance in their artistic and academic growth.

Beyond its showcase of youthful energy and cultural expression, ROOKIES prompts viewers to ponder the role of the arts in education and their potential to effect societal change. The documentary poses significant questions about balancing artistic pursuits with the demands of formal education, suggesting that such programs might be a key to unlocking personal and community transformation.

ROOKIES transcends the boundaries of documentary filmmaking to present a story rich with challenges, learning, and hope. Through the experienced eyes of Demaizière and Teurlai, the film not only celebrates the power of art to overcome adversity but also invites a broader dialogue about the creative paths to shape a better future. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of its young protagonists, highlighting how dance can bridge worlds and ignite dreams. While it may not explore every facet of the dancers’ experiences, ROOKIES sets a compelling stage for discussions about the transformative role of creativity in education and beyond.

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[photo courtesy of ICARUS FILMS, DISTRIB FILMS]

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