This is such a weird/cool curiosity. The plot is single-line simple, the hero characters are pretty one-dimensional and make horrible decisions, and the artistic choices are bizarre.

But it works.

It just captures that "it" factor. It's just perfectly filmed in a way that a group of super-serious gang members in facepaint are treated seriously in a way that doesn't come off as ridiculous. Instead it's just an ethereal sort of night where yeah, things like that happen. Deal with it and move on.

I do wonder how much better it would be without the romantic subplot and the "we're different than rich kids" soft messaging.

A well-crafted piece of moviemaking with great sound, atmosphere, cinematography, costume design and surprisingly well acted by a group of unknowns. I really liked the artistic comic book-style transitions and the raw energy in the fight scenes. In some ways a time capsule of New York at a time when it was ravaged by street gangs and crime, but in other ways it creates a universe all its own.

The line to quote is obvious:

Waaaarriors, come out to plaa-aay!