La Danse: The Paris Opera Ballet

2009

158 mins

Poster for La Danse: The Paris Opera Ballet

Directed by Frederick Wiseman
Documentary

"In La Danse: The Paris Opera Ballet, his 36th documentary in more than 40 years, Frederick Wiseman takes his camera... More

"In La Danse: The Paris Opera Ballet, his 36th documentary in more than 40 years, Frederick Wiseman takes his camera into the stately and elegant Palais Garnier in Paris, observing rehearsals, staff meetings and, finally, performances of seven dances, including classics like The Nutcracker and spiky new work by younger choreographers. To say that the film, sumptuous in its length and graceful in its rhythm, is a feast for ballet lovers is to state the obvious and also to sell Mr Wiseman’s achievement a bit short. Yes, this is one of the finest dance films ever made, but there’s more to it than that… The substance of Mr Wiseman’s particular genius is the way it transfixes you with the inner workings of an institution you may not otherwise care about." (New Zealand International Film Festival 2010)

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La Danse: The Paris Opera Ballet | Ratings & Reviews

"Even if you don’t know your pliés from your jétes, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the athleticism, agility and stamina on display, though the star of the show is the ballet’s imperious artistic director, Brigitte Lefèvre."

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Total Film

"One of the finest dance films ever made, but there's more to it than that."

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The New York Times

"A fascinating study of dedication..."

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The Guardian

"Heaven for ballet lovers, but ballet lovers alone"

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New Zealand Herald

"Bodies in motion tend to remain in motion, but almost never with the heart-stirring beauty and grace on view in Frederick Wiseman's exceptional portrait of the Paris Opera Ballet, La Danse."

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