13 Reasons Why You Should Just Watch 'The Get Down'
Start writing a post
Entertainment

13 Reasons Why You Should Just Watch 'The Get Down'

Netflix's sorely overlooked masterpiece is being left behind yet again.

142
13 Reasons Why You Should Just Watch 'The Get Down'
Amazon

With the new show "13 Reasons Why" arriving on Netflix within a week of Part 2 of "The Get Down," one of Netflix's most innovative shows has once again been swept under the rug. The first part of "The Get Down" premiered at the same time as "Stranger Things" and is still being left in the shadow of other Netflix series without any of the credit it deserves. So, in honor of the second part of season one's premiere, here are thirteen reasons you should binge "The Get Down" before anything else:

1. The plot.

There are a dozen storylines in "The Get Down," with everything from romance and crime to big dreamers and rebellious teenagers, but they're all interconnected by the central characters and their relationships to themselves and to their futures.

2. The aesthetic.

If you liked the style and look of movies like "The Great Gatsby," "Moulin Rouge," or "Romeo + Juliet," you'll want to watch "The Get Down." All three movies were directed by the director of this show, Baz Luhrmann, and the colorful, loud, rapid and magical feeling essential to his work is just as prominent here. The show is just gorgeous to look at.

3. The music.

"The Get Down" is essentially a hip-hop musical, since it centers around the creation of hip-hop and the dreams of a team of boys about to create a new style of music and a young soon-to-be disco star. The show is filled with original songs as their dreams begin to take shape. Also, not coincidentally, stars from Broadway's famous hip-hop musical, "Hamilton," appear throughout, so it's always exciting to spot them.

4. The characters.

Every character in "The Get Down" is worth writing about, since even the minor ones are given full stories and fleshed out characters, but my personal favorites are Mylene and Dizzee, mainly because they are so hopeful and have such bright dreams for their future. Other characters like Zeke, Shao, Yolanda and Regina are also fan favorites, but each character that appears on screen has some level of development and gives the show its bright, charismatic color.

5. The new look at coming of age stories.

Most recent coming of age stories center around the average suburban teen trying to make it through high school (like a certain recent Netflix release), but "The Get Down" is able to take the coming of age story and place it in the hands of young black and Latino artists in 1970s Bronx as a cultural and artistic revolution is taking place, giving that classic idea of teens finding their place in the world a new, creative look.

6. The history.

"The Get Down" is not simply a work of fiction. It is based in the real history of the creation of hip-hop and the Bronx of the 1970s. The show is filled with real footage from the 1970s used to set the scene and has characters react to actual historical events, like the blackout of 1977, which becomes a major plot point in the first part of the season.

7. The high energy.

Everything from the music to the story to the cinematography offers this bright and exciting energy that rarely dies down, so every moment feels like a dance and has a beat, leaving you still feeling it after you finish every episode.

8. The humor.

This show has some hilarious one-liners and quotable moments. I don't want to spoil any of them, but Zeke and Shao's fight and the entire crayon scenario are golden.

9. The writing.

The point of view character, Zeke, is a poet, so naturally all of the writing is as beautiful and over the top as possible. The dialogue is natural and funny most of the time, but then the writers will conjure up moments like Zeke saying he feels "calm almost like how God must be calm, you know, Mylene? Calm from loving," so writers especially should consider watching and learning this.

10. The costumes.

The 1970s setting brings some incredible outfits in the worst and best ways. Mylene's dresses are to die for.

11. The cast.

Many of the central characters are played by actors who were not so well-known before the show's release and who bring something really special to the show. It does feature some bigger names like Jimmy Smits and Jaden Smith, who are incredible, too, but the lesser known actors help emphasize the idea of kids trying to make it in the world.

12. The hopeful outlook.

This show has such a bright outlook, even in the worst situations, that so many current shows and characters in media lack. Through whatever hardships it has its characters go through, there's an overwhelmingly hopeful feeling to the show that is so refreshing.

13. The run-length.

The show only has eleven episodes at this point, so it's easy to start and finish. The first episode is film-length, but don't let it discourage you, because it's definitely worth it once you've started.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

936408
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

113205
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

78225
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments