A-Town Boyz (2023) Film Review
A definite exploration of counter-culture.
A-Town Boyz isn’t exactly the film you’d expect after you get by its first 10 minutes of angry lyrics, aggressive rap and gang culture. Not at all. Instead, director Eunice Lau takes us beyond the simple perspective of the music documentary. In the film, the focus is put on three subjects, and somehow they’re all associated with Atlanta’s underbelly of hip-hop culture. But these three subjects aren’t exactly African-American men trying to make it big in the business. Lau explores her roots and puts her camera deep inside the city’s Asian community where a handful of artists are trying to replicate a message. And judging by what little music we hear in the film, we can safely say they’ve done a very good job at it.
However, A-Town Boyz doesn’t attempt to whitewash the dynamics of the music scene, one that’s unfortunately associated with other issues like gang life, violence, and crime. Vickz, Bizzy and Eugene Chung, represent a consequence. They’re descendants of Asian immigrants who have installed themselves in the deepest confines of the American dream and are still pursuing it. The men are simply expressing themselves through a culture that’s more in tune with the reality they face every day. The hardships of immigrants are clear and well-known, but the gravity of some conflicts is much important than we imagine.
Acculturation is a strong word, and one that’s difficult to objectively use in a world that’s well-connected. But in terms of the film’s subjects, one can’t help but sense that rap culture works like escapism for young man raised in a distressed society where identity seems to be expendable if it means better opportunities. A-Town Boyz gives voice not only to struggling musicians whose relationship with crime is natural and bears consequences. It also shows those who surround them and provide them with comfort, advice, and peace. It’s hard not to judge sometimes, considering there is family involved, and financial problems are always around the corner. But director Lau doesn’t attempt to normalize the situation and simply goes deeper than necessary to expose the situation. Redemption is possible, but her storytelling methods won’t influence the audience one bit.
There’s an issue at hand, that’s for sure. But perhaps we shouldn’t sit back and relax, and just wait for something to happen to these guys. They deserve a shot just like anyone else in the country of big opportunities. However, as the film will show you, in modern times good music is not enough, and contacts are everything. The sobriety of the third act will make you forget about some of the dreams these musicians have, and will help you see the reality they’ve been forced to consider. This movie won’t help you determine anything. It will just help you think about a very specific counter-culture and recognize it for what it is.
This is not your typical music documentary, but it’s because Eunice Lau isn’t your typical filmmaker. A-Town Boyz will convince you of watching her next film, whatever it will be.
