Rubble Kings, 2015.
Directed by Shan Nicholson.
Narrated by John Leguziamo.
SYNOPSIS:
Using archival footage and interviews, this film tells the stories of the real life Warriors style gangs that walked the streets of New York City from ’68 to ’75…
Stretching out far beyond its lean 71 minutes running time in terms of imagination and sheer style, Rubble Kings is a documentary film brimming with bright ideas and energy.
Concentrating on the street gangs of New York City from 1968 – 1975, the film attempts to explain the socio-political world of the largely disenfranchised youth of the time. It does this largely through archive news snippets interlaced with contemporary interviews with ex-gang members, as well as luminaries of the musical and fashion world.
Narrated by actor John Leguziamo, the film is at its best when uncovering the personal dynamics of those in the know. Despite featuring interviews with hip-hop and electro legends Kool Herc, DJ Red Alert and the ever fascinating Afrika Bambaataa, the film mostly concentrates on the exploits of the street (and musical band) gang the Ghetto Brothers.
The two central figures of Ghetto Brothers founder Benji Melendez and president Carlos ‘Karate Charlie’ Suarez tell a vivid story of the unifying power of companionship and camaraderie. They are more or less left to regale their audience with their passionately (particularly in the case of Suarez, a forthright and poetic speaker) composed memories of a city on the brink.
There is no need of prompting and the colourful reminiscing works beautifully with comic strip style visuals and the disco, funk and early hip-hop of the time. Occasionally you get the sense that the film’s creator Nicholson could have structured the pair’s tales in a more focused and conventional format for greater clarity, but this is a minor quibble in such a sharp, informative and enjoyable piece.
What comes through more than anything else is a strong feeling of optimism. Political consciousness, creative expression and musical freedoms complement each other in a fiercely humanist undertaking that paints a picture of what is possible when people put their mind to it. Perhaps the premise that hip-hop – and therefore most international pop music styles – originated from street gangs is over simplified. But however you view it, the case is well made and looks and sounds great. A proud and romantic song to New York, with all the ferocity and surprises that that city is known for. Also, makes a re-watch of The Warriors (1979) even more enticing, when you realise that the street fashions were actually based in reality!
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Robert W Monk is a freelance journalist and film writer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng&v=W04aXcyQ0NQ
Originally published October 30, 2015. Updated April 14, 2018.
