The Get Down Explores Grittiness Of 70’s New York

If you’ve ever seen a Baz Luhrmann film, you know his signature style: stunning visuals, musicality, and a bit over the top without being obnoxious. The Get Down from Netflix is, without question, a Baz Luhrmann work. Focusing on 1970’s New York City, this show tells the story of a group of teenagers in South Bronx as they struggle to make their dreams come true amidst the crumbling infrastructure, crime, and the poverty experienced by so many during that time. The 6 episodes of Part 1 launch today so prepare your weekend for a brilliant binge.

Luhrmann has had several hit films throughout his career starting with Strictly Ballroom, before moving onto Romeo and Juliet, Moulin Rouge, Australia, and The Great Gatsby, all of which demonstrate a classic Luhrmann style. The Get Down is no different but takes this to another level by giving us 6.5 hours of a Baz Luhrmann movie.

Luhrmann takes a cast of relative newcomers, Shameik Moore (Dope) as Shaolin Fantastic, Justice Smith (Paper Towns) as wordsmith Ezekiel, and Herizen F. Guardiola (Runaway Island) as Mylène Cruz and rounds them out with more familiar faces including Jimmy Smits, Giancarlo Esposito and Jaden Smith. Watching the characters interact with each other in a larger than life world gives a feeling of familiarity to a new story.

“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.” Netflix

I liked The Get Down because it’s easy to watch. It’s like a musical with exaggerated characters but, while there are moments of musicality, it doesn’t play like a musical in the traditional sense. There are no breaks in the story while the cast bursts into song. Rather, the music scenes fit naturally into the story at times that make sense. Each of the characters fulfill an important role in the plot and provide a talented cast with great potential.

One of my favourite parts of the show is when Ezekiel and his friends finally get invited to The Get Down which is the underground party to end all parties. All those who know what’s cool and important are there and it’s where the best of the best battle using their words and fancy foot work. This is when we truly see the heart of the show and catch a glimpse of where the plot is headed.

While Netflix is known for it’s binge-worthy shows, The Get Down is one you’ll want to take your time adventuring through. It’s like an extra long movie, each hour long episode is energetic enough to sustain watching a few episodes at a time. The Get Down has a lot going for it and the potential for greatness is there – if Luhrmann can successfully build upon the solid foundation he has created. Based on his previous work, there’s no reason to believe he can’t.