Black Box

Rigas's Black Box follows a number of students in the premier dance school in Athens. The film focuses on their preparation for a modern interpretive dance recital that takes place in the school's special space, the "Black Box".

I was deeply touched by Black Box. Although I did not think I was a fan of modern dance, I found the film profound and moving. The dancing itself was exciting and evocative, the use of music right-on: for example, the use of Bach's dramatic Erbarme Dich (from St Matthew's Passion) as backdrop to the passionate, almost violent dancing was inspiring.

Most interesting were the clips of the interviews of the dancers themselves. Barely 20 years old, these students describe their reasons for dancing in ways that betrayed depth and pathos that was simply stunning.

I think this is Gerasimos Rigas's best film to date, more mature than Parvas and much tighter than Habits.

I would give the film a 10/10 but I felt there was not enough context about the school and the protagonists.

a beautiful film about dance, about creativity, and about the dreams and hopes of young dancers. I liked very much the choreography that is in a way relative to what is happening in Greece, where a group is following blindly a leader. The way the pieces are connected is very successful and if you follow them you can see the contrasts in human relationship. I had no idea that Greece has so good talents in modern dance. The Martha Graham piece is also very beautiful. Also I like the interviews that have an observation style and some of the scenes from the rehearsals are also full of energy.

Beautiful film...I really liked it.