Breakin' (1984)

Breakin', released as Breakdance: The Movie or Break Street '84 in some countries, is a 1984 American breakdancing-themed comedy-drama film directed by Joel Silberg and written by Charles Parker and Allen DeBevoise based on a story by Parker, DeBevoise, and Gerald Scaife. The film's setting was inspired by a 1983 German documentary entitled Breakin' and Enterin' set in the Los Angeles multi-racial hip hop club Radiotron, based out of MacArthur Park in Los Angeles. Many of the artists and dancers, including Ice T (who makes his film debut as a club MC) and Boogaloo Shrimp, went straight from Breakin' and Enterin' to star in Breakin'. Ice T has stated he considers the film and his own performance in it to be "wack".

The music score featured the hits "Breakin'... There's No Stopping Us" by Ollie & Jerry and "Freakshow on the Dance Floor".

Breakin‍ '​ was the final Cannon film production released by MGM/UA. After release, MGM and Cannon dissolved their distribution deal, reportedly over the potentially X-rated content in John Derek's film Bolero and MGM's then-policy of not theatrically releasing X-rated material, forcing Cannon to become an in-house distribution company once again. Because of the demise of the distribution deal, Breakin‍ '​ is considered to be the final financially profitable film released by Cannon.

Synopsis

Kelly is a struggling young jazz dancer and, through her gay friend Adam, she is introduced to two Street dancers, Ozone and Turbo), who have a bitter rivalry with another crew known as Electro Rock, consisting of poppers Popin' Pete, Poppin' Taco, and Lollipop. They also struggle to overcome scorn from Kelly's dance instructor, Franco, who disapproves of her hybrid dance style and affiliation with street dancers. Kelly soon becomes the sensation of the street crowds. Through it all, the audience is treated to a variety of breakthrough performances, including Turbo's "Broom Scene" and Taco's unique popping solos during the dance battles at the Radiotron nightclub.

Actors