It’s no secret that consumers have many options for small screen entertainment these days. With everyone trying to get into the original content game, it is becoming even harder for networks and streaming services to separate themselves from the pack. However, I’m here to tell you that you cannot not miss watching Baz Luhrmann’s The Get Down.
Here’s the basic premise via Netflix’ synopsis:
The Get Down focuses on 1970s New York City – broken down and beaten up, violent, cash strapped — dying. Consigned to rubble, a rag-tag crew of South Bronx teenagers are nothings and nobodies with no one to shelter them – except each other, armed only with verbal games, improvised dance steps, some magic markers and spray cans. From Bronx tenements, to the SoHo art scene; from CBGBs to Studio 54 and even the glass towers of the just-built World Trade Center, The Get Down is a mythic saga of how New York at the brink of bankruptcy gave birth to hip-hop, punk and disco — told through the lives and music of the South Bronx kids who changed the city, and the world…forever.
Of course, that’s pretty accurate but I saw something in this series that I have been seeking from my entertainment selections lately: creativity and something original. Anyone who has followed Luhrmann’s career or filmography knows he is very inventive and ambitious but makes a habit of going over budget. He’s done the same here, to the tune of $120 million and a very rocky road from script to screen. Throughout all that, though, The Get Down comes out successful.
Luhrmann and his team create vivid pictures of sound, style and fashion in this series, all to the tune of capturing what it was to be a teenager in the 70s in the Bronx. Armed with influences and themes of Kung-fu, religion, family, and ambition, this is by far one of the best things Luhrmann has ever done.
For example, the casting of this show is completely on point. You buy into the romance, struggles, desires, and happiness of these characters. Justice Smith (Ezekiel) perfectly conveys a lovestruck teen brimming with more talent than he knows what to do with, although weighed down by his demons and finding his way. Newcomer Herizen F. Guardiola (Mylene) knows all she wants to do is sing, get out of the Bronx, and not be tied down by her family’s faith or love. The real highlight, though, is Shameik Moore as the mysterious and aspiring DJ, Shaolin Fantastic (yes, that’s his name). A child of the streets, he’s often conflicted on what he needs to do to get by but continues to feed his passion and stay loyal to those around him.
This is all set to the backdrop of a decaying Bronx: buildings being knocked down to ashes and flames, socio-political issues, drugs, homelessness, and more. When the series gets to the music and dance scenes, it really shines. The first big dance scene (you’ll know it when you see it) is pure fire, set to funky disco beats, bell bottoms, tight dresses, and waves of color. The other ones you’ll need to watch the series to fully witness; describing them won’t do them justice. Crank up your subwoofer because you’ll want to dance along.
All of the above is not to say there isn’t any narrative problems (small plot holes not being resolved, heavy-handed themes, etc.). However, the stories of the characters, along with the way the time period and birth of hip-hop is captured, are what make this series a must watch.
Sign me up for more of The Get Down, because I am completely with it. Ya dig?
The Get Down Part 1 is currently available and streaming on Netflix. Part 2 will arrive in 2017.
[Photos via Netflix]
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