Jump Britain looks at how the urban sport of Parkour (Free-running) has developed in the United Kingdom in the period since Sebastien Foucan and co. took on London in the prequel to this stunning piece of television. J:B examines one of the UK's fastest growing urban sports and meets the people behind its incredible growth. It also follows Sebastien Foucan as he PK's across Britain (Channel 4 insisted on the geographically and politically incorrect title before you ask!) performing on some of the most iconic and spectacular locations imaginable. Indeed, it is hard to fathom how the production team managed to talk anybody into allowing this to happen at all - in one sequence Foucan runs across and then jumps a gap in the retractable roof of the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff! Simply mind blowing. It would seem that this documentary may prove to be a defining moment in the development of Parkour, not only in the UK but globally. Its simplicity is its greatest attraction but for all its balletic grace, a certain degree of philosophical pretentiousness remains. Trying to justify and rationalise their chosen activity seems to form their greatest obstacle and a hunger for sustained media attention will invariably further drag Parkour into the mainstream. You get the distinct impression that despite vehement protestations that is exactly where those behind this activity in the UK wish it to go.
J:B is simply a stunning and possibly generation defining piece of television. Like the birth of skateboarding and roller blading, this feels like you are witnessing the birth of something very big indeed...