Bodied

So as a white kid growing up in the 90s all I did was listen to rap music. I was picked on and bullied for it as it was not the 'done thing' and constantly called wigger. My passion was genuine and I embraced the culture and still do.

So.... I had minimal expectations here. I was expecting 8 mile revamped. How wrong was I.... This movie touches on some really key stereotypes and misconceptions about rap in general and more importantly the appropriation of black culture. Storyline was basic but it paved the way for thought provoking dialogue and I would suggest if you don't get what I mean then this movie was not made for you. Since eminem every white kid wants to be a rapper and this is movie is a satirical take on that uneducated enthusiasm.

The underlying emotion after watching this is embarrassment. For all the millennials that think they 'get it'. This movie is about race and perception masked in satirical humour. A must watch for any real rap fan.

Joseph Kahn's film "Bodied" examines the battle rap subculture with an emphasis on identity, political correctness, and the limits of free expression. The movie centers on progressive graduate student Calum Worthy as he does research for his thesis by delving deeply into the cutthroat world of battle rap. Kahn and Alex Larsen co-wrote the script, which explores the nuances of political correctness, cultural appropriation, and the hazy boundaries between derogatory language and creative expression. The film's dynamic direction gives the battle rap arena a rebellious character while capturing its excitement. The video employs incisive and thought-provoking dialogue to elicit conversations among viewers regarding the influence of language and the indistinct boundaries between artistic expression and insult.

8 Mile doesn't have enough bars to keep up with Bodied. There is not a dull moment in this movie. It transitions from comedy to drama to comedy to drama to horror to comedy to action to comedy to drama to suspense to comedy etc..couldn't stop watching. Jackie Long & Calum Worthy performances were so good you would think they were really battle rappers. Script is full, all the characters matter. No misses. All hits. Joseph Kahn should get some gold in February.

It took me a few minutes to understand what was happening but it's not exactly what you think it is. It's remarkably pure...that we can access whatever part of ourselves we didn't even think we had...but always had a hint (of greatness) of. What a movie.

So many didn't get it. It's a more-than-decent ode to battle rap, but also a scathing attack on a world that gets off on getting offended by everything. A truly admirable effort by little-known actors in a low-budget film.