The Dancer Upstairs details
| Formats: | 15 DVD, LOVEFiLM Instant |
|---|---|
| Starring: | Elvira Minguez, Javier Bardem, Juan Diego Botto, Laura Morante |
| Director: | John Malkovich |
| Genre: | Drama - Biography |
| Studio: | 20TH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
| Title | Runtime | Certificate | |
|---|---|---|---|
The Dancer Upstairs |
2hrs 7 mins | 15 |
LOVEFiLM Instant Information
| Run time: | 2 hours 7 minutes |
|---|---|
| Rental release: | Currently unavailable |
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Most helpful review
Intelligent film
By a customer from Wembley, England , 14 Mar 2004[Highly rated reviewer]
The dancer upstairs is low key but highly intelligent look at Latin American terrorist movements like the Maoist Sendero Luminoso in Peru. Malkovich looks at the personal lives of individuals caught up in or affected by the violent philosophies of a charismatic leader. Such a treatment of the story makes for a subtle but strong film. Javier Bardim is quite likeable as the decent lawman trying to capture a vicious terrorist, while in the employ of a regime that is itself corrupt, violent and ironically deserving of destruction. The film was done in English by Latin American actors. This makes for a very authentic and well textured film, but the accents are sometimes a bit difficult. The film is well worth viewing though.- Was this review helpful to you?
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All reviews
(67)Well worth renting this one!
By GMcG (13 reviews) from Chalfont St Peter , 25 Jan 2012[Highly rated reviewer]
This was a really interesting and gripping film superbly acted by everyone in it. I didn't know what it was about until I watched it but that didn't matter as I had followed the news about the Shining Path in the late 80s and early 90s.- Was this review helpful to you?
- (1) Yes |
- No (1)
Compelling Lat Am Drama
By 5ft7offootballheaven (300 reviews) from London , 16 Oct 2011I loved the way that this could have been any number of countries in Latin America - its really well done. The air of menace is present without really ever having to expose the kind of horrors that James Woods experiences in Salvador. If I had a small criticism it would be that occasionally the lines are delivered in a mumbled fashion and as English is the second or third language of all the players its tricky to pick it up. Definitely didnt spoil it though. Made me go off and do some historical investigations into the period and some of the people (real) it is based on. Absolutely fascinating.- Was this review helpful to you?
- (2) Yes |
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There are positives to be taken...
By Peyotitlan (17 reviews) from Redhill , 31 May 2011The main things to keep in mind, during and after having watched this film are:
- Thank goodness John Malkovich stuck to acting
- Javier Bardem has since developed into a fine actor
- We haven't heard of plans for a sequel
I was disappointed and found it incredibly poor. It wasn't painful, but apart from the three points mentioned above, I found little to keep it/me going.
Cliched, directed like an episode of Columbo, poorly written and badly acted.
I would like to believe that it was so badly written that left little room for improvement, but sadly I think the lack, came from all around it.
Incredibly disappointing.- Was this review helpful to you?
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A slow salsa
By fromoutoftheblue (23 reviews) from london , 16 Mar 2011This film had all the potential heat of salsa, all the intricacies of lambada and all the twists of merengue - however it was like a slow waltz. Yawn....- Was this review helpful to you?
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Pick a Plot
By Antbear (6 reviews) from Leeds , 06 Feb 2011Nothing wrong with a slow, simmering story. And it's nice to have a broad scope. But without a talented director you get boring and un-focused.
This film wants to be everything and predictably ends up being nothing. Its a whodunnit set in a dictatorial regime from the point of view of a cop with a troubled past. It can't decide which story to tell so it tries to tell them all. Unconvincingly.
Most scenes begin promisingly but then run out of ideas. The film then flails around looking for another idea. Political intrigue, mystery, love, dis-illusionment; they're all trotted out to try to add some depth. All good ingredients but combining to make a red-herring stew.
I gained no insight into oppressive political regimes. I learned nothing about human interactions. And most damningly, I wasn't entertained by the depthless characters and their random motivations.
Cash was splashed on this film - there are lot's of explosions and extras. Its a shame the money wasn't given to a director who had a vision, had paid his dues and knew his limitations.- Was this review helpful to you?
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