This past weekend I watched two movies that were seemingly more different than any two movies could be. They did have things in common though. Both films were intriguing and entertaining in their own way and at their heart is a similar theme: reclaiming and uncovering the “true” past.
While Hip Hop’s socio-political consciousness has faded, the examples in this post denote that it is not dead. However, even as some employ its ethos to confront material realities, others invest only it its promise of wealth, power and pleasure. Thus the reason why the time is ripe for this reminder: Hip Hop wields much power, but with that power comes responsibility.
Billy Elliot: The Musical’s overarching historical context – the British mining strike of 1984-1985 – serves as the backdrop to examine issues of class and gender through the story of a struggling community and one very talented boy. Yet what happens to those who lacked the opportunity to leave town like Billy?
