Battle: Freestyle (2022) Movie Script
1
Five, six, seven, eight.
One, two, three, and four,
five, six, seven and lift.
Wait, wait. Are you okay?
-Sorry.
-Come on, my man.
-Hey, is it that way?
-Wrong side, bro.
Okay, one more time.
One, two, three, four,
five, six, seven, lift.
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
-Ooh!
-Whoo!
I win again!
Ah!
You're making a mess.
What?
Amalie?
I'm expecting a package.
Can you stay an extra half an hour?
Then I'll be late for practice.
Why don't you run there
so you're warmed up?
You know, it's better
to see opportunities instead of hurdles.
Okay? Good.
Come on, smile a little.
There you go. Good.
Hello and bonjour.
We are happy to tell you that your crew
has qualified to Break the Cypher Paris.
Yes!
Go ahead. Pick a card.
The queen.
Lucky.
Hi!
-You can tell us know.
-Go ahead.
What's up?
You know I-I think you're awesome.
You are all my heart.
I've thought about it
and I have to leave the crew.
-What?
-There's no crew without you, bro.
I'm gonna have a kid.
What?
What? Congratulations!
Bro! You're gonna be a father?
A real father?
-A real father. Yeah.
-Can't believe it, bro.
-So cool!
-Yeah. Yeah.
But I don't get
why you have to leave the crew.
I can't pay the bills with dancing.
-What if we could?
-Know anyone who can sponsor us?
Hello. Bonjour.
We are happy to tell you that your crew
has qualified to Break the Cypher Paris.
The winner of the competition will receive
a cash prize of 30,000 euros.
Congrats and welcome. We can't wait.
We got in!
Oh, my God! Let me see!
Oh, shit.
Yo!
-We got in!
-Paris!
-You're in, right?
-First, we have to have a show.
Then we have to qualify for the battle.
Then we have to win the battle.
Have to, bro? It's us!
Yeah, yes, come on!
Come on.
Please?
Paris, here we come!
Illicit! Illicit!
Illicit!
Illicit!
DAD
CONNECTING
We qualified for Paris!
No way! That's great!
I'm so proud of you.
I know how hard you've worked for this.
How are you?
Do you have your students under control?
Ah, yeah, under control.
It's actually really fun.
-Yeah?
-Yeah, yeah, it is.
Ai yai yai yai yai.
Just think. Paris, huh?
Hey, maybe you can get in touch
with your mother over there.
Ah, no. Um
I don't know.
Could be could be a nice opportunity.
-I can't just show up like that in Paris.
-Well--
She has made it pretty clear
she doesn't want anything to do with me.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to-- I just thought
But you can handle this
any way you like, okay?
THE ACADEMY OF DANCE IN PARIS
PROFESSORS
VIVIAN PRYTZ
ADD FRIEND
ALARM
Hmm.
-Your alarm went off, Amalie.
-Okay.
That's your mom, isn't it?
Have you thought about contacting her
when we get there?
I don't know. Um, I have to go to work.
But I thought
you didn't want anything to do with her.
Uh
Can can you
not say anything to the others?
I just don't want it to become a thing.
I promise.
Thanks.
-Bye, then.
-Bye-bye.
-I love you.
-Love you, too.
-Hi.
-Hey.
Take a seat.
-So, can I offer you anything?
-No, thank you.
-Apple, banana?
-Nothing, thanks. I'm fine.
You sure? Can you help me out?
I'm trying to stay away from sugar.
Hmm.
So, I was wondering
if I could have some time off
so I could go to a dance competition.
-Now?
-Just for one week.
But I can get a temp
and just take care of it all,
so it'll be very easy to take over.
No. Uh, I must say no unfortunately
to your request.
If I'm gonna be completely honest,
I gotta tell you,
it's a little inappropriate to ask
for time off right after the holidays.
-I am still allowed to request it.
-You're allowed.
But how would things work if everyone
asked for time off after vacation,
to knit or go fishing or organize
their postage stamp collection?
But I can take care of it.
I can work late before and after.
You don't need to worry--
The answer is no! Work is work.
Hobbies are for our free time.
Hey, this is not a hobby!
-Okay, Amalie. I understand.
-I have to go to that competition.
Then you won't have a job to come back to.
Fine.
I'm quitting.
Fucking prick.
MIKAEL
THE LANDLORD CAME BY
WE HAVE 2 WEEKS TO PAY!
Fuck!
Look! Over there!
Bonjour!
Yo!
Break the Cypher.
That's sick, bro.
That the flyer
for the competition?
What should we write?
Uh
Paris here we are!
Oh, my God! So lame.
-Awesome.
-[Nice.
I gotta learn that.
-Can I have a coin?
-Yes, of course. There you go.
-Give it to her.
-Oh, thank you.
Do you think she'll react?
Maybe.
Wow. Did you see that? She dances.
-She's dancing for you.
-Yes. It's really beautiful.
Do you know how to dance like that?
Yes!
See you later.
DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT OF CLASSICAL DANCE
Is it your phone, miss?
-Thank you.
-You're welcome.
You think it's free?
I don't know.
Hi. May I help you guys?
Yeah. Uh, we booked a room.
We're Illicit.
Come with me.
Oh, my God! This is a palace!
Damn!
One crew. One destiny.
Will they survive this fury of the battle?
Yo! Look. Free food.
Oh, oh, dibs, dibs.
Look what they got. Free T-shirts.
Keychains!
I'm sorry. There's been a mix-up.
This room belongs to Raw-nez.
-What?
-Raw-nez?
Are they here?
They look really good.
You don't know who they are?
Salah. The guy's a living legend.
Lil Kev over there,
he has the sickest power moves.
Let's go, Tine!
And Tine is extremely versatile.
And Junior,
he's just out of this world.
Sarah Bee.
One of the world's best b-girls.
So, the rooms upstairs are the VIP rooms.
You've booked an ordinary one.
And we only have this one left.
Okay.
They do everything we do,
only much, much better.
But we can't give up now.
We still have a chance.
We just have to work hard.
With this show, we don't stand a chance.
Certainly not against that crew.
We could change tactics.
Just do an awesome trick
that's never been done
and totally blow everyone's mind.
Unless someone learns to fly,
we won't win.
I'm glad I don't know anyone
who's gonna watch.
Huh?
I just have to go somewhere.
Meet you later.
Amalie, are you okay?
I'm fine.
I'll meet you at practice later.
Yo! You're just gonna leave us?
Sorry!
Bad timing.
We're making a plan here.
Excuse me.
I, uh--
I'm sorry. I didn't mean
to just show up here like this.
-I just--
-Sweetheart.
You don't need to say you're sorry at all.
I am.
I was just really surprised
when I saw you. Shocked. But
I'm just really happy to see you.
Really?
Of course.
You know, unfortunately,
the bad news is that, well, I have to go.
I have a recital to go to.
Sure.
You are more than welcome to come with me.
Yeah?
-That's one of my students.
-How exciting.
ALEX
WHERE ARE YOU? WE HAVE PRACTICE!
Everyone, meet Amalie.
-Hello, Amalie.
-Hi. I--
Amalie from Norway.
Okay, you guys. There are three days
until the competition.
What are we gonna do?
Well, we have passion, don't we?
And we have to use that passion.
We have to show them
who we are and what we feel.
But that's just the show.
If we make the final,
we still have to battle Raw-nez.
It'll be war.
We'll win the battle
if someone learns to fly.
Yeah, right.
I can fly.
I didn't know
you owned a flying manual, bro.
Shh.
Let me introduce the trick.
Magic Moa flies.
It's a very advanced plan
that I spent all night on.
Are you ready?
It starts with Josef walking in,
and then
That's not right.
And here. Look.
Mashallah!
You're a genius, bro!
Are you kidding me?
All that and a double back at the end?
One wrong move and Moa's gonna die, bro.
-But only if I get scared.
-No, that's not the way to go.
Yeah. I'll do it for the family.
What if we practice,
and if we see that it won't work,
we'll drop it, of course.
But come on, with this move in the battle,
ooh, we could actually win
this whole thing.
Come on, guys.
Okay, fine then.
Go big or go home!
Yeah, that was a dope idea, man.
-Dope idea. Good job.
-Let's go.
Ready?
Stand firm
or he's gonna face-plant.
And arch your back. Chin up.
-Oh, my God.
-Yeah. Like that.
But you have to-- Yeah, yes ! And then
-Perfect.
-Yeah?
Then it goes like this. Yes.
That's right. Then like this.
-Bro!
-Good luck.
Just like that.
Move, move, move!
You okay?
Mmm.
Again.
Again.
Five, six, seven, eight.
One, two
I was just a little off, bro. Sorry.
I said sorry, bro.
All right,
grab something to drink,
then it's back to work, okay?
Everyone ready?
Are we taking lunch soon?
I have to step out for a bit,
but I'll be back in an hour.
Again? Why?
An old friend lives here
and wanted to have lunch.
An old friend? Who's that?
We're not done practicing.
You can't leave.
I have to. I have an appointment.
-We need everyone here.
-I really gotta go. Sorry.
I can't believe it.
You can't be in the competition
if you're not at practice.
There's no time.
This is the last time, okay?
Yeah, it's the last time.
All right.
Amalie! Stop!
Don't leave. Amalie, talk to me.
Mikael, I'll be right back.
Why can't you tell them
you're meeting your mom?
I can't tell the others like that.
That my mom doesn't want--
You know all that stuff
has nothing to do with you.
You know that.
-Amalie, please talk to me.
-I have to go.
Hi.
Come.
Hip-hop, huh?
Exciting.
It's not a genre I'm very familiar with.
I, uh, learned it a few years ago
from my boyfriend, Mikael.
Mmm.
That's exciting.
It's really only been the last few years
I've done hip-hop.
I've been mostly doing
modern dance lately.
You know, you're so incredibly gifted
in modern. You always have been.
You could've gone
as far as you wanted in modern.
That solo you performed at school
was at a level far above anyone--
In school? How do you know about that?
Um,
I've seen it online.
I've seen a lot.
Yeah
I've actually thought about
starting all over again.
-Have you, then?
-Mm-hmm.
I really think you should consider it.
We have a modern dance program
here at our school.
It's run by Gabrielle,
and she's just a fantastic teacher.
I could perhaps
get you an audition, if you want.
Now?
Now, before you head back.
Think.
Think if you got in here,
how incredible it would be.
You could live with me for a while.
One, two, three, four,
five, six, seven, eight.
One, two, three and four, five, six
Cool, guys. This will be dope.
-Are you okay?
-Yeah.
-I'm fine.
-Okay.
So did the meeting go well?
Yeah, sure,
but can we talk about it later?
What's your problem?
You leave the second you get the chance,
like you don't give a shit
about this competition.
That's not true at all.
I really had to go.
That's more important than us?
Can't you just talk to me?
What's your deal?
-There is no deal.
-But there obviously is.
But I don't understand it,
and I don't like it.
HI, SWEETHEART. WANT TO COME TO MINE
FOR BREAKFAST TOMORROW?
I WANT TO TELL YOU SOMETHING. BIG HUG.
HAVE YOU EATEN? SHOULD I BRING SOMETHING?
TRIED TO CALL! WHAT'S UP?
SORRY. JUST NEEDED TIME TO MYSELF
CAN WE TALK?
I feel really happy
when I'm with her.
But then,
I don't know where I am with her.
I still think it's important
that you tell the others about her.
Please don't say anything.
I don't want them to know
there's something wrong with me.
Hey.
Amalie.
Nothing's wrong with you.
Hey, is this okay?
Don't worry about it.
You look really good.
Hi. Come in.
-Hi.
-Hey.
-Hi.
-Hi.
-Vivian.
-Mikael. I'm Amalie's boyfriend.
Nice to meet you.
I've had a talk with Gabrielle.
-Mmm?
-It took some convincing, but I did it.
So now you can come by
for an audition.
Oh.
It will have to be tomorrow,
because she had
to squeeze you into her calendar.
-What kind of audition?
-Do I have to prepare something?
Oh, no, nothing. It's very informal.
It's off the record,
since you haven't applied.
What kind of audition is that?
It's for a dance school.
A bachelor's degree in modern.
In Paris?
Yes.
In Paris.
You should think about it
if you want to go to this audition,
but it would be good
if you could let me know quickly,
because I have to tell her yes or no.
Thanks.
What will you do if you get in?
It's an opportunity
that won't come around again.
It would be amazing if she got in.
It's a program that demands
discipline and precision
and talent and everything I know you have.
Hmm.
Yeah, she is really good.
I know nothing about hip-hop.
I just know
that it's a relatively new dance style,
unlike ballet, which has a long tradition.
At least in Europe.
Well, uh, why don't you tell me
about your dancing now?
It's going well.
-We practice a lot, and, um--
-Exciting.
Yeah.
But do you have any formal education,
or like classes,
or is it more of a hobby, or what?
I've taken a few courses
through a place called Excel.
Um, but I've learned most of it myself
or from people I hang out with.
I see.
Excel. Is that a school, or--
Yeah, now it is, but it started
as a youth initiative in my neighborhood.
And by youth initiative, do you mean--
Is that for troubled youths, or
Uh, it's actually a place
that's open to anyone.
What part of town?
Alna.
Well, I think it's great
that the city engages the youth.
It's good, right?
Especially in
those immigrant-dominated areas where--
We see it a lot here in Paris.
Everything is so chaotic.
Yeah, it really leads to a lot of crime
in the bad parts of town.
No, don't-- don't get me wrong.
I'm not I'm not talking about you.
I'm just making a point generally.
I don't know anything about you
or your background.
We have to go now.
We have practice.
But we could just send a text
to the crew that we'll be a little late.
Amalie, come on. Let's go.
I'll come later then.
It was nice to meet you.
You don't need to worry
about the audition.
I can wait outside for you, if you want.
I can even come in with you,
if you'd like me to do that.
Five, six, seven, eight!
That's fire, guys. That's fire.
Where you been? We had a deal.
Yeah, I'm sorry.
Not this time.
Huh?
You're out of the competition.
You're not on time. You leave practices.
It's better if we move on without you.
We can't be at competitions
and wonder if you're gonna show up.
Are you kidding?
-You can't ditch me like that!
-You're the one ditching us.
Mikael.
Sorry.
Hello. How are you?
-Bonjour.
-Bonjour.
-I'd like a beer, please.
-Are you English?
No, I'm Norwegian.
Ah-ha.
Great.
-I had French at school.
-Of course you did.
-I'm Paul, by the way.
-Amalie.
Nice to meet you, Amalie.
WHY ARE YOU BEHAVING SO BADLY TOWARDS ME?
Amalie, what the hell
are you talking about? Where are you?
-I'm at the bar by the hotel.
-At the bar?
Can I have a shot, please?
As you like, Viking girl.
Thank you.
How are you?
Fuck the patriarchy!
Ella, you are the worst!
-The worst thing is, they're real.
-Of course they're real.
You know,
once she pulled out a tampon in public!
That was revolutionary. Period.
Amalie. Let me introduce you.
Ella.
Fabienne.
-And Maxine.
-Hi.
Hi.
Okay, what the hell is going on?
We are here. If you need us.
Hey, come on. What the hell is
What? What the hell are you doing?
How am I the bad guy here? I mean, I
Uh, Kael, you are, though.
Do you even realize how dumb I felt
when I found out, out of nowhere,
that you're moving to Paris for 3 years?
Where did that come from?
What do you mean, how dumb you feel?
I have done everything
for this competition,
and then you just ditch me!
You don't ever have my fucking back.
You can't talk about
me having your back after your mom's.
Mikael, you kicked me out of the crew.
You're doing modern dance anyway.
It's an audition.
I'm here for this competition,
and you of all people should know
how much this means!
I have no fucking idea
how much this means to you at all.
You haven't lifted a finger
for this competition!
Are you kidding me?
I quit my fucking job
for this competition!
You did what?
I didn't get time off,
so I just had to quit.
That's just crazy.
What's crazy?
That I gave up my job
so I can be with this crew?
For the crew, huh?
Amalie, listen, there's no way
I can support us both.
We're so far behind in our rent.
Oh, fuck. We're gonna lose our apartment.
You didn't even say anything?
Right. I totally forgot
that your dumb job doesn't pay two shits.
You're totally right.
It doesn't pay shit.
At least I have time to dance.
-Because you don't know anything else.
-No.
You haven't even gotten
your high school degree.
At least I can dance.
Are you saying I can't?
You know what?
At least I'm for real, okay? Real.
-Yeah.
-And I'm not?
Amalie, if you were for real,
you wouldn't be so flaky
and all over the fucking place, okay?
-Get the fuck out!
-Do you know what the worst part is?
I met a complete stranger
when I met your mom,
and you know who that was?
It wasn't your mom, it was you.
I don't know who you are anymore.
Leave! I don't wanna see you anymore.
You know what?
Fuck this.
Just breathe.
I want to show you something.
Come.
This is the place.
-Soir, Paul.
-Bonsoir.
A space to let yourself go.
This!
The Anarchy.
My feet hurt.
The person
you have reached is not available.
I know what I want!
Come on!
Here we go. Come on!
MIKAEL
MISSED CALL
Hey.
Did you sleep well?
-Yes.
-Cool.
Thank you so much
for letting me stay here.
No worries. The couch is yours
whenever you want. Okay?
Hello!
-Hey.
-Good morning.
Good morning. I made some tea.
Thank you.
So, today's the big day.
Are you ready for your audition?
-I don't know.
-Come on!
We trust you.
You just have to trust yourself.
-You're going to kill it.
-For sure.
You got this.
Come see us after.
CALLING HOME
Hi, this is Vivian.
-Amalie?
-Yes.
I am Gabrielle. Thank you for
You know Vivian pretty well then,
I assume?
Um
No, not really.
Well, perhaps you may tell us
a little about yourself.
Um
I I have danced modern for many years.
But then I started dancing hip-hop.
-Hip-hop?
-Mm-hmm.
Now you want to commit to modern?
Yes.
It reappeared in my
I don't know. I'm sorry.
Are you not feeling quite well?
No, I'm fine, really. Thank you.
Okay, whenever you are ready.
I'M AFRAID I CAN'T COME.
SOMETHING CAME UP. GOOD LUCK.
I mean, I work very hard on these abs.
How did it go
with your audition?
What happened?
-They don't want me.
-They didn't like your style?
So what? Come dance with us.
And you know, girl,
don't waste your time on people
you can never impress. It's not worth it.
Just let it go.
Let's go, girl!
Okay!
Yeah!
Let's go!
Hey!
VIVIAN PRYTZ
MOBILE
Are you guys ready
for Break the Cypher Paris?
Good. Because it begins now.
So, first, all the crews
will dance their showcase.
Then the judges will decide
which two crews will go to the final
in old-school battle.
First crew on stage is Lucid Funk.
Make some noise.
-Isn't Amalie going to watch?
-Huh?
-Is Amalie coming?
-No, she's at her mom's.
What? Her mom's?
Yeah, I promised
not to say anything, okay?
Bonjour, mademoiselle.
Hi, Amalie.
You wanted to speak with me?
Yes.
I heard that things didn't go
as planned yesterday,
and you didn't get accepted.
But I know you can.
It's all about practice.
Take private lessons and practice a lot,
and you can apply again next semester.
No. I don't want to do that.
But I don't understand.
I gotta go.
No, Amalie. Listen to me.
Do you know how hard I worked
to get you that audition?
Yeah.
I'm sorry.
No! Stop!
-Just talk to me!
-You didn't tell them I was your daughter!
Do you think you'd get an audition
if I told them that?
Do they even know
that you have a daughter?
It's not something
I feel I can just blurt out.
Don't you understand?
I've worked here for several years.
Then you've had years to tell them that.
I just can't come out
and say it like that.
What is it that you can't say?
That you have a daughter?
Or that you've abandoned your child?
I'm so sorry, Amalie.
I don't think I can do this anymore.
No.
You can't do this.
And that's fine.
Yeah.
Um, it was so good to see you.
Next crew up is
Floor Fighters!
Okay, it's time for the next crew.
Please, give it up for Raw-nez!
Come on.
All right! Whoo!
And last, but not least, Illicit.
All the way from Norway.
Give it up for them.
Whoo! Illicit!
Whoo! Illicit!
What was that? Oh, my God.
Okay, that was a nice showcase.
So the judges will now decide
which crew will go to the finals
and battle each other.
Okay.
So the first crew
who is going to the final is
Raw-nez!
And they are, in fact,
going against a newcomer.
First time in the competition.
The second crew going to the final is
Illicit! Whoo!
We got through! I knew we would!
Sorry! They are
It's my family.
It's in the battle that you get to see
the real skills of the dancers.
This is their moment
to show you their individual style.
But it seems to be four against five here.
So which one of you will battle twice?
Josef!
That's our fifth member.
Can I talk to the judges?
She was in the group
when we qualified.
Can you make an exception?
Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah. They said yes.
Okay.
This is a bit unorthodox,
but it seems Illicit has a fifth member.
So I'm going to ask you, the audience.
Do you want Illicit
to let the last member battle?
Please enter the ring,
Amalie from Norway.
I'm sorry.
-I've been so stupid.
-Don't worry about it.
Welcome back. Let's go, okay?
Time to dance. DJ, let's go.
Showtime.
Ten minutes from now!
Show them, baby girl.
Salah!
Make some noise!
Come on!
Whoo!
Oh, damn!
Are we gonna get a response?
Where are my ladies at?
Amalie on the floor.
She's feeling it, bro.
Tine!
Okay, girl.
Yes! Oh!
Love is in the air.
What was that?
What was this?
Go, man!
Go on!
Okay. Sarah Bee.
-Let's do the trick, guys.
-Amalie, are you ready?
-I'm all in.
-Let's go!
One minute left on the floor.
Stop. That's it. That's it.
Battle over.
That's it. No.
No, no, no. No.
Can't do that. Stop.
Stop that.
Time's out. Time's out. Stop.
Let's hear what the judges have to say.
We're gonna count to three.
Three, two, one!
Illicit!
Illicit is the winner
of Breaking the Cypher and 30,000 euros,
thanks to their original style,
diversity of skills, and great team work.
Perfect team work.
-Here you go.
-Thank you.
Illicit! Illicit!
Illicit! Illicit!
I'm sorry for everything I said.
I was just so angry and
Don't worry. It's all right.
I was angry too.
But I need you to talk to me a lot more.
Promise me, no more secrets between us.
I didn't get into that school.
And I don't want to go either.
Sorry, but that's just their loss.
Thank you.
Do you still not want me around?
Dummy! I love you.
Just keep saying that.
Five, six, seven, eight.
One, two, three, and four,
five, six, seven and lift.
Wait, wait. Are you okay?
-Sorry.
-Come on, my man.
-Hey, is it that way?
-Wrong side, bro.
Okay, one more time.
One, two, three, four,
five, six, seven, lift.
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
-Ooh!
-Whoo!
I win again!
Ah!
You're making a mess.
What?
Amalie?
I'm expecting a package.
Can you stay an extra half an hour?
Then I'll be late for practice.
Why don't you run there
so you're warmed up?
You know, it's better
to see opportunities instead of hurdles.
Okay? Good.
Come on, smile a little.
There you go. Good.
Hello and bonjour.
We are happy to tell you that your crew
has qualified to Break the Cypher Paris.
Yes!
Go ahead. Pick a card.
The queen.
Lucky.
Hi!
-You can tell us know.
-Go ahead.
What's up?
You know I-I think you're awesome.
You are all my heart.
I've thought about it
and I have to leave the crew.
-What?
-There's no crew without you, bro.
I'm gonna have a kid.
What?
What? Congratulations!
Bro! You're gonna be a father?
A real father?
-A real father. Yeah.
-Can't believe it, bro.
-So cool!
-Yeah. Yeah.
But I don't get
why you have to leave the crew.
I can't pay the bills with dancing.
-What if we could?
-Know anyone who can sponsor us?
Hello. Bonjour.
We are happy to tell you that your crew
has qualified to Break the Cypher Paris.
The winner of the competition will receive
a cash prize of 30,000 euros.
Congrats and welcome. We can't wait.
We got in!
Oh, my God! Let me see!
Oh, shit.
Yo!
-We got in!
-Paris!
-You're in, right?
-First, we have to have a show.
Then we have to qualify for the battle.
Then we have to win the battle.
Have to, bro? It's us!
Yeah, yes, come on!
Come on.
Please?
Paris, here we come!
Illicit! Illicit!
Illicit!
Illicit!
DAD
CONNECTING
We qualified for Paris!
No way! That's great!
I'm so proud of you.
I know how hard you've worked for this.
How are you?
Do you have your students under control?
Ah, yeah, under control.
It's actually really fun.
-Yeah?
-Yeah, yeah, it is.
Ai yai yai yai yai.
Just think. Paris, huh?
Hey, maybe you can get in touch
with your mother over there.
Ah, no. Um
I don't know.
Could be could be a nice opportunity.
-I can't just show up like that in Paris.
-Well--
She has made it pretty clear
she doesn't want anything to do with me.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to-- I just thought
But you can handle this
any way you like, okay?
THE ACADEMY OF DANCE IN PARIS
PROFESSORS
VIVIAN PRYTZ
ADD FRIEND
ALARM
Hmm.
-Your alarm went off, Amalie.
-Okay.
That's your mom, isn't it?
Have you thought about contacting her
when we get there?
I don't know. Um, I have to go to work.
But I thought
you didn't want anything to do with her.
Uh
Can can you
not say anything to the others?
I just don't want it to become a thing.
I promise.
Thanks.
-Bye, then.
-Bye-bye.
-I love you.
-Love you, too.
-Hi.
-Hey.
Take a seat.
-So, can I offer you anything?
-No, thank you.
-Apple, banana?
-Nothing, thanks. I'm fine.
You sure? Can you help me out?
I'm trying to stay away from sugar.
Hmm.
So, I was wondering
if I could have some time off
so I could go to a dance competition.
-Now?
-Just for one week.
But I can get a temp
and just take care of it all,
so it'll be very easy to take over.
No. Uh, I must say no unfortunately
to your request.
If I'm gonna be completely honest,
I gotta tell you,
it's a little inappropriate to ask
for time off right after the holidays.
-I am still allowed to request it.
-You're allowed.
But how would things work if everyone
asked for time off after vacation,
to knit or go fishing or organize
their postage stamp collection?
But I can take care of it.
I can work late before and after.
You don't need to worry--
The answer is no! Work is work.
Hobbies are for our free time.
Hey, this is not a hobby!
-Okay, Amalie. I understand.
-I have to go to that competition.
Then you won't have a job to come back to.
Fine.
I'm quitting.
Fucking prick.
MIKAEL
THE LANDLORD CAME BY
WE HAVE 2 WEEKS TO PAY!
Fuck!
Look! Over there!
Bonjour!
Yo!
Break the Cypher.
That's sick, bro.
That the flyer
for the competition?
What should we write?
Uh
Paris here we are!
Oh, my God! So lame.
-Awesome.
-[Nice.
I gotta learn that.
-Can I have a coin?
-Yes, of course. There you go.
-Give it to her.
-Oh, thank you.
Do you think she'll react?
Maybe.
Wow. Did you see that? She dances.
-She's dancing for you.
-Yes. It's really beautiful.
Do you know how to dance like that?
Yes!
See you later.
DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT OF CLASSICAL DANCE
Is it your phone, miss?
-Thank you.
-You're welcome.
You think it's free?
I don't know.
Hi. May I help you guys?
Yeah. Uh, we booked a room.
We're Illicit.
Come with me.
Oh, my God! This is a palace!
Damn!
One crew. One destiny.
Will they survive this fury of the battle?
Yo! Look. Free food.
Oh, oh, dibs, dibs.
Look what they got. Free T-shirts.
Keychains!
I'm sorry. There's been a mix-up.
This room belongs to Raw-nez.
-What?
-Raw-nez?
Are they here?
They look really good.
You don't know who they are?
Salah. The guy's a living legend.
Lil Kev over there,
he has the sickest power moves.
Let's go, Tine!
And Tine is extremely versatile.
And Junior,
he's just out of this world.
Sarah Bee.
One of the world's best b-girls.
So, the rooms upstairs are the VIP rooms.
You've booked an ordinary one.
And we only have this one left.
Okay.
They do everything we do,
only much, much better.
But we can't give up now.
We still have a chance.
We just have to work hard.
With this show, we don't stand a chance.
Certainly not against that crew.
We could change tactics.
Just do an awesome trick
that's never been done
and totally blow everyone's mind.
Unless someone learns to fly,
we won't win.
I'm glad I don't know anyone
who's gonna watch.
Huh?
I just have to go somewhere.
Meet you later.
Amalie, are you okay?
I'm fine.
I'll meet you at practice later.
Yo! You're just gonna leave us?
Sorry!
Bad timing.
We're making a plan here.
Excuse me.
I, uh--
I'm sorry. I didn't mean
to just show up here like this.
-I just--
-Sweetheart.
You don't need to say you're sorry at all.
I am.
I was just really surprised
when I saw you. Shocked. But
I'm just really happy to see you.
Really?
Of course.
You know, unfortunately,
the bad news is that, well, I have to go.
I have a recital to go to.
Sure.
You are more than welcome to come with me.
Yeah?
-That's one of my students.
-How exciting.
ALEX
WHERE ARE YOU? WE HAVE PRACTICE!
Everyone, meet Amalie.
-Hello, Amalie.
-Hi. I--
Amalie from Norway.
Okay, you guys. There are three days
until the competition.
What are we gonna do?
Well, we have passion, don't we?
And we have to use that passion.
We have to show them
who we are and what we feel.
But that's just the show.
If we make the final,
we still have to battle Raw-nez.
It'll be war.
We'll win the battle
if someone learns to fly.
Yeah, right.
I can fly.
I didn't know
you owned a flying manual, bro.
Shh.
Let me introduce the trick.
Magic Moa flies.
It's a very advanced plan
that I spent all night on.
Are you ready?
It starts with Josef walking in,
and then
That's not right.
And here. Look.
Mashallah!
You're a genius, bro!
Are you kidding me?
All that and a double back at the end?
One wrong move and Moa's gonna die, bro.
-But only if I get scared.
-No, that's not the way to go.
Yeah. I'll do it for the family.
What if we practice,
and if we see that it won't work,
we'll drop it, of course.
But come on, with this move in the battle,
ooh, we could actually win
this whole thing.
Come on, guys.
Okay, fine then.
Go big or go home!
Yeah, that was a dope idea, man.
-Dope idea. Good job.
-Let's go.
Ready?
Stand firm
or he's gonna face-plant.
And arch your back. Chin up.
-Oh, my God.
-Yeah. Like that.
But you have to-- Yeah, yes ! And then
-Perfect.
-Yeah?
Then it goes like this. Yes.
That's right. Then like this.
-Bro!
-Good luck.
Just like that.
Move, move, move!
You okay?
Mmm.
Again.
Again.
Five, six, seven, eight.
One, two
I was just a little off, bro. Sorry.
I said sorry, bro.
All right,
grab something to drink,
then it's back to work, okay?
Everyone ready?
Are we taking lunch soon?
I have to step out for a bit,
but I'll be back in an hour.
Again? Why?
An old friend lives here
and wanted to have lunch.
An old friend? Who's that?
We're not done practicing.
You can't leave.
I have to. I have an appointment.
-We need everyone here.
-I really gotta go. Sorry.
I can't believe it.
You can't be in the competition
if you're not at practice.
There's no time.
This is the last time, okay?
Yeah, it's the last time.
All right.
Amalie! Stop!
Don't leave. Amalie, talk to me.
Mikael, I'll be right back.
Why can't you tell them
you're meeting your mom?
I can't tell the others like that.
That my mom doesn't want--
You know all that stuff
has nothing to do with you.
You know that.
-Amalie, please talk to me.
-I have to go.
Hi.
Come.
Hip-hop, huh?
Exciting.
It's not a genre I'm very familiar with.
I, uh, learned it a few years ago
from my boyfriend, Mikael.
Mmm.
That's exciting.
It's really only been the last few years
I've done hip-hop.
I've been mostly doing
modern dance lately.
You know, you're so incredibly gifted
in modern. You always have been.
You could've gone
as far as you wanted in modern.
That solo you performed at school
was at a level far above anyone--
In school? How do you know about that?
Um,
I've seen it online.
I've seen a lot.
Yeah
I've actually thought about
starting all over again.
-Have you, then?
-Mm-hmm.
I really think you should consider it.
We have a modern dance program
here at our school.
It's run by Gabrielle,
and she's just a fantastic teacher.
I could perhaps
get you an audition, if you want.
Now?
Now, before you head back.
Think.
Think if you got in here,
how incredible it would be.
You could live with me for a while.
One, two, three, four,
five, six, seven, eight.
One, two, three and four, five, six
Cool, guys. This will be dope.
-Are you okay?
-Yeah.
-I'm fine.
-Okay.
So did the meeting go well?
Yeah, sure,
but can we talk about it later?
What's your problem?
You leave the second you get the chance,
like you don't give a shit
about this competition.
That's not true at all.
I really had to go.
That's more important than us?
Can't you just talk to me?
What's your deal?
-There is no deal.
-But there obviously is.
But I don't understand it,
and I don't like it.
HI, SWEETHEART. WANT TO COME TO MINE
FOR BREAKFAST TOMORROW?
I WANT TO TELL YOU SOMETHING. BIG HUG.
HAVE YOU EATEN? SHOULD I BRING SOMETHING?
TRIED TO CALL! WHAT'S UP?
SORRY. JUST NEEDED TIME TO MYSELF
CAN WE TALK?
I feel really happy
when I'm with her.
But then,
I don't know where I am with her.
I still think it's important
that you tell the others about her.
Please don't say anything.
I don't want them to know
there's something wrong with me.
Hey.
Amalie.
Nothing's wrong with you.
Hey, is this okay?
Don't worry about it.
You look really good.
Hi. Come in.
-Hi.
-Hey.
-Hi.
-Hi.
-Vivian.
-Mikael. I'm Amalie's boyfriend.
Nice to meet you.
I've had a talk with Gabrielle.
-Mmm?
-It took some convincing, but I did it.
So now you can come by
for an audition.
Oh.
It will have to be tomorrow,
because she had
to squeeze you into her calendar.
-What kind of audition?
-Do I have to prepare something?
Oh, no, nothing. It's very informal.
It's off the record,
since you haven't applied.
What kind of audition is that?
It's for a dance school.
A bachelor's degree in modern.
In Paris?
Yes.
In Paris.
You should think about it
if you want to go to this audition,
but it would be good
if you could let me know quickly,
because I have to tell her yes or no.
Thanks.
What will you do if you get in?
It's an opportunity
that won't come around again.
It would be amazing if she got in.
It's a program that demands
discipline and precision
and talent and everything I know you have.
Hmm.
Yeah, she is really good.
I know nothing about hip-hop.
I just know
that it's a relatively new dance style,
unlike ballet, which has a long tradition.
At least in Europe.
Well, uh, why don't you tell me
about your dancing now?
It's going well.
-We practice a lot, and, um--
-Exciting.
Yeah.
But do you have any formal education,
or like classes,
or is it more of a hobby, or what?
I've taken a few courses
through a place called Excel.
Um, but I've learned most of it myself
or from people I hang out with.
I see.
Excel. Is that a school, or--
Yeah, now it is, but it started
as a youth initiative in my neighborhood.
And by youth initiative, do you mean--
Is that for troubled youths, or
Uh, it's actually a place
that's open to anyone.
What part of town?
Alna.
Well, I think it's great
that the city engages the youth.
It's good, right?
Especially in
those immigrant-dominated areas where--
We see it a lot here in Paris.
Everything is so chaotic.
Yeah, it really leads to a lot of crime
in the bad parts of town.
No, don't-- don't get me wrong.
I'm not I'm not talking about you.
I'm just making a point generally.
I don't know anything about you
or your background.
We have to go now.
We have practice.
But we could just send a text
to the crew that we'll be a little late.
Amalie, come on. Let's go.
I'll come later then.
It was nice to meet you.
You don't need to worry
about the audition.
I can wait outside for you, if you want.
I can even come in with you,
if you'd like me to do that.
Five, six, seven, eight!
That's fire, guys. That's fire.
Where you been? We had a deal.
Yeah, I'm sorry.
Not this time.
Huh?
You're out of the competition.
You're not on time. You leave practices.
It's better if we move on without you.
We can't be at competitions
and wonder if you're gonna show up.
Are you kidding?
-You can't ditch me like that!
-You're the one ditching us.
Mikael.
Sorry.
Hello. How are you?
-Bonjour.
-Bonjour.
-I'd like a beer, please.
-Are you English?
No, I'm Norwegian.
Ah-ha.
Great.
-I had French at school.
-Of course you did.
-I'm Paul, by the way.
-Amalie.
Nice to meet you, Amalie.
WHY ARE YOU BEHAVING SO BADLY TOWARDS ME?
Amalie, what the hell
are you talking about? Where are you?
-I'm at the bar by the hotel.
-At the bar?
Can I have a shot, please?
As you like, Viking girl.
Thank you.
How are you?
Fuck the patriarchy!
Ella, you are the worst!
-The worst thing is, they're real.
-Of course they're real.
You know,
once she pulled out a tampon in public!
That was revolutionary. Period.
Amalie. Let me introduce you.
Ella.
Fabienne.
-And Maxine.
-Hi.
Hi.
Okay, what the hell is going on?
We are here. If you need us.
Hey, come on. What the hell is
What? What the hell are you doing?
How am I the bad guy here? I mean, I
Uh, Kael, you are, though.
Do you even realize how dumb I felt
when I found out, out of nowhere,
that you're moving to Paris for 3 years?
Where did that come from?
What do you mean, how dumb you feel?
I have done everything
for this competition,
and then you just ditch me!
You don't ever have my fucking back.
You can't talk about
me having your back after your mom's.
Mikael, you kicked me out of the crew.
You're doing modern dance anyway.
It's an audition.
I'm here for this competition,
and you of all people should know
how much this means!
I have no fucking idea
how much this means to you at all.
You haven't lifted a finger
for this competition!
Are you kidding me?
I quit my fucking job
for this competition!
You did what?
I didn't get time off,
so I just had to quit.
That's just crazy.
What's crazy?
That I gave up my job
so I can be with this crew?
For the crew, huh?
Amalie, listen, there's no way
I can support us both.
We're so far behind in our rent.
Oh, fuck. We're gonna lose our apartment.
You didn't even say anything?
Right. I totally forgot
that your dumb job doesn't pay two shits.
You're totally right.
It doesn't pay shit.
At least I have time to dance.
-Because you don't know anything else.
-No.
You haven't even gotten
your high school degree.
At least I can dance.
Are you saying I can't?
You know what?
At least I'm for real, okay? Real.
-Yeah.
-And I'm not?
Amalie, if you were for real,
you wouldn't be so flaky
and all over the fucking place, okay?
-Get the fuck out!
-Do you know what the worst part is?
I met a complete stranger
when I met your mom,
and you know who that was?
It wasn't your mom, it was you.
I don't know who you are anymore.
Leave! I don't wanna see you anymore.
You know what?
Fuck this.
Just breathe.
I want to show you something.
Come.
This is the place.
-Soir, Paul.
-Bonsoir.
A space to let yourself go.
This!
The Anarchy.
My feet hurt.
The person
you have reached is not available.
I know what I want!
Come on!
Here we go. Come on!
MIKAEL
MISSED CALL
Hey.
Did you sleep well?
-Yes.
-Cool.
Thank you so much
for letting me stay here.
No worries. The couch is yours
whenever you want. Okay?
Hello!
-Hey.
-Good morning.
Good morning. I made some tea.
Thank you.
So, today's the big day.
Are you ready for your audition?
-I don't know.
-Come on!
We trust you.
You just have to trust yourself.
-You're going to kill it.
-For sure.
You got this.
Come see us after.
CALLING HOME
Hi, this is Vivian.
-Amalie?
-Yes.
I am Gabrielle. Thank you for
You know Vivian pretty well then,
I assume?
Um
No, not really.
Well, perhaps you may tell us
a little about yourself.
Um
I I have danced modern for many years.
But then I started dancing hip-hop.
-Hip-hop?
-Mm-hmm.
Now you want to commit to modern?
Yes.
It reappeared in my
I don't know. I'm sorry.
Are you not feeling quite well?
No, I'm fine, really. Thank you.
Okay, whenever you are ready.
I'M AFRAID I CAN'T COME.
SOMETHING CAME UP. GOOD LUCK.
I mean, I work very hard on these abs.
How did it go
with your audition?
What happened?
-They don't want me.
-They didn't like your style?
So what? Come dance with us.
And you know, girl,
don't waste your time on people
you can never impress. It's not worth it.
Just let it go.
Let's go, girl!
Okay!
Yeah!
Let's go!
Hey!
VIVIAN PRYTZ
MOBILE
Are you guys ready
for Break the Cypher Paris?
Good. Because it begins now.
So, first, all the crews
will dance their showcase.
Then the judges will decide
which two crews will go to the final
in old-school battle.
First crew on stage is Lucid Funk.
Make some noise.
-Isn't Amalie going to watch?
-Huh?
-Is Amalie coming?
-No, she's at her mom's.
What? Her mom's?
Yeah, I promised
not to say anything, okay?
Bonjour, mademoiselle.
Hi, Amalie.
You wanted to speak with me?
Yes.
I heard that things didn't go
as planned yesterday,
and you didn't get accepted.
But I know you can.
It's all about practice.
Take private lessons and practice a lot,
and you can apply again next semester.
No. I don't want to do that.
But I don't understand.
I gotta go.
No, Amalie. Listen to me.
Do you know how hard I worked
to get you that audition?
Yeah.
I'm sorry.
No! Stop!
-Just talk to me!
-You didn't tell them I was your daughter!
Do you think you'd get an audition
if I told them that?
Do they even know
that you have a daughter?
It's not something
I feel I can just blurt out.
Don't you understand?
I've worked here for several years.
Then you've had years to tell them that.
I just can't come out
and say it like that.
What is it that you can't say?
That you have a daughter?
Or that you've abandoned your child?
I'm so sorry, Amalie.
I don't think I can do this anymore.
No.
You can't do this.
And that's fine.
Yeah.
Um, it was so good to see you.
Next crew up is
Floor Fighters!
Okay, it's time for the next crew.
Please, give it up for Raw-nez!
Come on.
All right! Whoo!
And last, but not least, Illicit.
All the way from Norway.
Give it up for them.
Whoo! Illicit!
Whoo! Illicit!
What was that? Oh, my God.
Okay, that was a nice showcase.
So the judges will now decide
which crew will go to the finals
and battle each other.
Okay.
So the first crew
who is going to the final is
Raw-nez!
And they are, in fact,
going against a newcomer.
First time in the competition.
The second crew going to the final is
Illicit! Whoo!
We got through! I knew we would!
Sorry! They are
It's my family.
It's in the battle that you get to see
the real skills of the dancers.
This is their moment
to show you their individual style.
But it seems to be four against five here.
So which one of you will battle twice?
Josef!
That's our fifth member.
Can I talk to the judges?
She was in the group
when we qualified.
Can you make an exception?
Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah. They said yes.
Okay.
This is a bit unorthodox,
but it seems Illicit has a fifth member.
So I'm going to ask you, the audience.
Do you want Illicit
to let the last member battle?
Please enter the ring,
Amalie from Norway.
I'm sorry.
-I've been so stupid.
-Don't worry about it.
Welcome back. Let's go, okay?
Time to dance. DJ, let's go.
Showtime.
Ten minutes from now!
Show them, baby girl.
Salah!
Make some noise!
Come on!
Whoo!
Oh, damn!
Are we gonna get a response?
Where are my ladies at?
Amalie on the floor.
She's feeling it, bro.
Tine!
Okay, girl.
Yes! Oh!
Love is in the air.
What was that?
What was this?
Go, man!
Go on!
Okay. Sarah Bee.
-Let's do the trick, guys.
-Amalie, are you ready?
-I'm all in.
-Let's go!
One minute left on the floor.
Stop. That's it. That's it.
Battle over.
That's it. No.
No, no, no. No.
Can't do that. Stop.
Stop that.
Time's out. Time's out. Stop.
Let's hear what the judges have to say.
We're gonna count to three.
Three, two, one!
Illicit!
Illicit is the winner
of Breaking the Cypher and 30,000 euros,
thanks to their original style,
diversity of skills, and great team work.
Perfect team work.
-Here you go.
-Thank you.
Illicit! Illicit!
Illicit! Illicit!
I'm sorry for everything I said.
I was just so angry and
Don't worry. It's all right.
I was angry too.
But I need you to talk to me a lot more.
Promise me, no more secrets between us.
I didn't get into that school.
And I don't want to go either.
Sorry, but that's just their loss.
Thank you.
Do you still not want me around?
Dummy! I love you.
Just keep saying that.