Ariel: Back to Buenos Aires

ARIEL is a unique film, combining the elements of dirty politics, family secrets and sensual dance. Great attention is paid to details, such as the clothing and attitude of the silver foxes in the tango clubs and the intimate & sometimes combative relationship between the young adult brother and sister at the centre of the story. The music, dance and architecture of Argentina are lovingly presented. As the brother and sister peel back the layers of the family mystery, the audience is riveted until the inevitable resolution. Notwithstanding the ugly historical political reality, the heart of the characters ultimately shines through.

Finally available in Canada on AppleTV. Alison Murray, the movie director, writer and the producer, takes you to hot Buenos Aires. The story of two siblings from Toronto traveling to Buenos to visit the city which their parents are from. The family left Argentina in the 70's and never went back, never talked about it! But Didi and Dave, now in their 30's, want to know more. However there is a price for the truth. Was it worth it ? Heck , yes!!! Emotional history lesson wrapped up in so much beautiful tango music! Fun to watch when one recognizes the streets one walked and the milongas one danced at.

I really enjoyed this stylish film about family and tango. Director Alison Murray and her team have crafted a moving tale about the reverberations of Argentina's dirty war of the 70's and 80's for the generations that followed.

Canadians Davie and his sister Diana are both a mess, each in their own way. On their first trip to Buenos Aires, city of their birth, the pair discovers tango culture in all its sensual glory, and, eventually, some dark and shocking family secrets.

While the human action veers into melodrama on occasion, tango is such an apt metaphor for navigating the bumps and challenges of life, and the imperative to follow your heart and just keep dancing. Scenes set in the city's milongas (e.g. La Glorieta) are some of the best in the film, with social details, distinctive music and the swirling movement of tango all lovingly captured. I was also moved by the spotlight Murray shines on the Abuelas de la Plaza de Mayo and the work they are doing to find and help the lost children of Argentina's disappeared. Family, tango - such a rich mix in the hands of this director.

Director Alison Murray is to be lauded for highlighting the horrors wrought by the brutal military dictatorship in Argentina from 1976 to 1983. Tragically, to this day, the impact of the dictatorship continues to reverberate for families. Outside of Argentina, too few know about this period in the country's past. It is important to those impacted that the story is not lost over time. The Director relates the story with sensitivity, relationships are layered and the culture of tango which provides the backdrop for much the story feels gritty and authentic. For anyone who has ever visited Buenos Aires, the film creates a sense of revisiting the city. The cinematography and musical score are beautiful.

Ariel is a film about tango, family, history and awful things being hidden and uncovered. The history of the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo is really well portrayed. Great performances by the main actors, especially Raphael Grosz-Harvey and Eleonora Wexler. A beautiful score and gorgeous, arial shots of Buenos Aires. The film is skillfully and sensitively directed by Alison Murray. The complex indictment of characters and corporations for their collaboration in Argentina's military dictatorship between 1976-1983 is a huge part of this film's accomplishment. I hope this film travels far and is seen worldwide.