“Rize” (ライズ), Rare Original Japanese Movie Poster, 2006, David LaChapelle, B1 Size (72.8 × 103 cm) - Gallery

A rare original Japanese B1 theatrical poster for Rize, David LaChapelle’s vivid documentary exploring the dance communities of South Central Los Angeles. Produced for the film’s 2006 Japanese release through Gaga, this large format brings exceptional presence to its saturated photographic imagery. Measuring 72.8 × 103 cm, the B1 sheet offers approximately twice the display area of a standard Japanese B2 poster.

Film background

Released in 2005, Rize follows the overlapping worlds of clowning and krumping, presenting dance as an expression of identity, resistance and community. Its participants include Tommy the Clown, Tight Eyez, Lil’ C and Miss Prissy, whose performances combine extraordinary physical intensity with deeply personal stories.

Already internationally recognised for his fashion and celebrity photography, LaChapelle brought his interest in colour, performance and the human body to his feature documentary debut. The film places its dancers’ creativity at the centre of their own experiences, revealing the relationships and ambitions behind the movement.

Poster design

Electric yellow lettering fills the upper-left corner against an expansive cobalt sky. The upward arrow incorporated into the “I” of RIZE gives the title a clear sense of ascent, while the compact billing beneath leaves much of the photograph uninterrupted.

Two dancers dominate the foreground, their outstretched arms and flying braids creating intersecting lines of movement. Bronze highlights and suspended droplets lend the figures a sculptural quality, set against utility wires and the concrete landscape of Los Angeles.

The Japanese campaign’s vertical tagline reads:

「踊ってるんじゃない。闘ってるんだ。」
“They’re not dancing. They’re fighting.”

Across the lower edge, bold yellow promotional lettering celebrates the film’s Sundance reception. The restrained blue-and-yellow palette gives this Japanese design a particularly strong visual identity, amplified by the substantial B1 dimensions.

Cultural significance

Rize brought international attention to the communities behind clowning and krumping. Its Japanese reception was equally notable: opening at Shibuya’s Cinema Rise on 28 January 2006, the film established a new opening two-day box-office record for the venue.

This poster connects documentary cinema, dance culture and the visual language associated with LaChapelle’s work, making it an appealing piece for collectors across those interests.

Condition

Excellent condition, with strong colour and impressive overall presentation. Light handling creases, fine surface marks and small areas of edge wear are visible in the photographs, particularly within the darker upper section. Please examine the accompanying images for the detail of this example.

An original Japanese theatrical release poster, approximately 20 years old, offered as period cinema advertising rather than a later reproduction.

Certificate of Authenticity included.