The 1970’s were a tumultuous time in America, growing up in The Bronx only amplified the struggles and tension. Society was still heavily caught up in issues of women’s rights, civil rights, and the opposition and conclusion of the war in Vietnam. Through it all, there was still the presence of an immortal hope, an immutable beat that drove society forward toward the possibility of a new and better way of life. Netflix’s latest trailer for their upcoming musical drama The Get Down recaptures the violence, hope, and melody that ran through The Bronx, and gives a glimpse into the lives and struggles of the youth that grew up there who sought to build a life within the chaos.
The Get Down will follow the story of a group of kids from the South Bronx who dream of making a name for themselves in the music world by pioneering a new genre of music that encapsulates their struggles, hopes, and city, accompanied by the iconic beats and sounds that would come to define Hip hop. As main star Justice Smith walks through his city, he is surrounded by burning cars, destruction, sirens, and thieves, and yet his mind is on the words and rhythm that this city conjures in him, the inevitable song that will be birthed from the ashes that surround him. Opposite of Justice will be female lead Herizen Guardiola, a young girl with an amazing voice who has dreams of dominating the disco seen, but is held back by her strong ties to her religion and her disapproving father
The series was created by Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge!) who will also serve as executive producer. Hip hop legend Nas is also attached to the project as an executive producer, and also provided the music that the trailer is set to. Steven Adly, producer for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is also involved with the project.
The series will star Shameik Moore (Dope), Justice Smith (Paper Towns), Jaden Smith (The Karate Kid), Herizen Guardiola, and Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad).
The first season of The Get Down will be comprised of thirteen one hour episodes. The first six episodes of the series will be released on August 12, and will be followed by the remaining seven episodes sometime in 2017.