United Skates

United Skates is an introspective, powerful, and vibrant documentary launched in 2018. Directors Dyana Winkler and Tina Brown helmed this exploration into a unique subculture in America, the roller-skating community. The classic hip-hop band, Salt-N-Pepa, icon Reggie Brown (also known as ‘cool guy skater’), and Grammy-winning rapper, Coolio, all contribute to the film, allowing the audience to dive into the fascinating world of roller skating.

At the heart of United Skates, there's a demonstration of how roller skating stands as a vibrant and hugely influential element of African American culture and serves as a reflection and reinforcement of their community bond. Encapsulating the lively spirit of this culture, Winkler and Brown craft an eye-catching fusion of history, music, race, and politics.

Although structured as a documentary, United Skates guarantees a joyous cinematic experience as it delves into the nuanced world of skating subculture. The visuals are chock-full of energy and vibrant color, eventually bringing the audience closer to the reality of the underground world of skating rinks. It is fantastic to see how the creators have aesthetically curated and preserved the lively ambience of the skating rink’s lighting and aura.

The complexity of United Skates doesn’t stop at dazzling visuals or infectious music – it presents a tough look at how this extraordinary subculture is under threat due to racism and economic hardship. The film takes a sociopolitical turn, addressing racial issues and the economic disparities present in society today. The directors present an interconnected narrative of how the struggle presented in the film mirrors the greater struggle facing countless communities across America.

Through a series of interviews with passionate skaters and impresarios, including Salt-N-Pepa, the audience learns about the importance of these rinks. They are not just spaces designated for recreation but also spaces where young people feel safe, where legendary musicians began their careers, and where a sense of community thrives amongst African American people.

Notably, the filmmakers shed light on regional differences among skating styles. From Detroit to Los Angeles to Chicago, each city has a unique style, but a common love for roller skating unites them all. The roller rink becomes a uniting ground for different styles and mutual respect for a shared passion.

Coolio’s interview gives insights into how roller rinks have played a significant role in hip-hop culture. Roller rinks have long been venues for emerging rappers, providing them with a platform to showcase their talent and engage with their audience. Thus, besides exploring the skating culture, the movie helps audiences understand the intrinsic weave between skating and the American music scene.

One of the film's most gripping aspects is its exploration of the racial discrimination and bias that have led to the closure of numerous roller skating rinks across America. Growing property taxes, mass gentrification, and blatant racism by city officials looking to limit gatherings of black youth all play a role in the decline of this cherished cultural tradition. The film rightly portrays this as a national crisis, a threat to an enormous community's cherished social space and freedom.

The story unfolds primarily through the perspectives of skaters Reggie Brown, Buddy 'Love' Alexander, and Phelicia Wright. Their personal anecdotes give depth and emotional color to the larger narrative, bringing realities to life with heartbreaking intensity. Combined with archive images from the golden days of roller culture, these individuals' interviews escalate the gravity of the current scenario, making United Skates more than just a movie – it's an urgent call to action.

United Skates is an evocative documentary that takes viewers on a remarkable journey into a captivating world filled with joy, rhythmic movements, and mesmerizing music, while also urging reflection on larger issues in contemporary America. It's a study of how a subculture can deeply influence a community, an exploration of racial and societal dynamics, and ultimately a love letter to the roller-skating scene in the United States. It is a profound must-watch for those interested in understanding unique subcultures, the African American community’s struggles and bond and the sociopolitical issues present in today's America.