Polina, danser sa vie

Few films offer an authentic look at ballet or modern dance. This is one of those few. Unlike Black Swan, which was totally absurd, we get to see real dancers engaged in real dancing -- as in such great films as The Red Shoes (1948) and The Turning Point (1977). The makers of Polina understood that dancing isn't about faces -- it's about bodies moving through time and space -- so they present long takes that show the dancers from head to toe.

For me the high point of this movie was the long scene with Sergio's improvisation group -- the skinny guy with arms & legs like noodles, and then Polina's wonderful solo.

Unfortunately, the story falls apart not long afterward, and then, after a rushed montage that leaves too much unresolved, it ends abruptly. The disintegration of the narrative is the reason why I rated this movie six stars instead of seven or eight.

Really enjoyed this film. Unlike most dance films it doesn't try to be silly or uplifting. Instead it's more akin to a moody indie film about a young woman who has been stifled all her life finally finding her voice.

The beats of the film will be familiar to anyone who has ever watched a dance film but the sincerity of the actors and the beautiful choreography makes this incredible to watch.

It is difficult to create an acted dance film with mostly unedited performances; choreography; rehearsal; practices; auditions. A joint Russian - French production that auditioned hundreds for the roles and they chose well. The storyline is in part about the sacrifice by families and dancers to get to the highest level. Also, the search for one's self as our lead explores different dance genres. Of course since it's a film that part is somewhat dramatized, but not excessively offtrack. I think what the film misses most is the pain of six plus hours a day practices - the sprained ankles; torn muscles; bleeding feet; the weary exhaustion.

This is the best film on artistic integrity ever. It's very cinematic and subtly told but it's an emotional journey also, one you go on firstly with Veronika Zhovnytska as the very young Polina, and then with Anastasia Shevtsova as the teenage and adult Polina. It's her story, her development artistically, that you are fortunate to witness. I don't want to say too much about it because that will ruin it for you but this is one of those films whose images draw you in. Soak yourself in them and luxuriate in them till the end, an end you won't want to come as it's affect grows upon you. This is the best dance film ever but it's also much more than that. Excellent supporting performances throughout as well.

Loved this film! It´s so real, so transparent and beautiful. And no more comments needed.

Grateful for this experience!