normanbott

This fine film appeared recently as part of a Chilean film festival at The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. It is a very moving portrayal of people caught up in struggles with a dictatorial society and harsh weather conditions. The romance between the two main characters serves as a fine example of how we all look for relevance in a world dominated by evil and natural forces.

The acting, the script, the cinematography and even the music are all superb. This is the type of film that you will rarely encounter from our Hollywood gristmill. Chilean filmmakers are obviously not afraid to confront their past and to deal with it by producing great artistic films. I have been going to this festival quite regularly and only hope that more people will get to see fine cinema from Chile. Highly Recommended.

This is simply a perfectly glorious documentary about a dance company that closed for business when I was only 18, therefore I never had the chance to see either version of the Ballets Russe. What amazed me the most is that the filmmakers were able to give me an overwhelming sense of nostalgia as if I had experienced these wondrous artists directly. I simply fell in love with all the ballerinas and all the danseurs. I look forward to probably buying a DVD of this when it is available.

Do yourself a favor even if you do not think you like the ballet and go see it anyway for this is a very human story of a different era in the world and in America. It is cultural history told with supreme wit and intelligence.

The National Gallery of Art showed the long-thought lost original uncut version of this film on July 10, 2005. It restores vital scenes cut by censors upon its release. The character of the cobbler, a moral goody-goody individual in the original censored release of 1933 is here presented as a follower of the philosopher Nietsze and urges her to use men to claw her way to the top. Also, the corny ending of the original which I assume is in current VHS versions is eliminated and the ending is restored to its original form. A wonderful film of seduction and power. Hopefully, there will a reissue of this film on DVD for all to appreciate its great qualities. Look for it.