Danchi No Yume: Dreams of the Projects

Kyoto rapper Kenta Kitaoka, who goes by the name of “Anarchy,” takes center stage in this documentary that examines poverty and hip-hop culture in Japan. Anarchy, who grew up in the Mukaijima Projects, started rapping at home. As his surprised but supportive father Lucky—a rock singer and tattoo artist—recalls, “he just started talking to himself” (Anarchy sports almost as much ink as his father). When his wife abandoned the family, Lucky stepped up to raise Anarchy and his sisters. The rapper's lyrics recount these incidents, and his relatable stories have helped him attract a following and secure a deal with R-Rated Records, although he's hardly rich. Anarchy's friends in the four-piece outfit Ruff Neck grew up in the same neighborhood. As a kid, Ruff Neck member Young Bery believed he had only two choices: to become a thug or to conform. His colleague, Naughty, also notes the high rates of drug addiction in the area. Both musicians feel that hip-hop offered them a way out. Granted, they drink and smoke, but things could always be worse; in Anarchy's case, he wound up doing time for theft, but wants to set a better example in the future. As Lucky puts it, “He turns his obstacles into weapons.” Anarchy eventually becomes an established artist with a fancy car, but doesn't leave Mukaijima—either because he can't afford fancier digs or because he would prefer to remain with family and friends. DVD extras include bonus interviews, music performances, and deleted scenes. An intriguing look at hip-hop life in the Land of the Rising Sun, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)