Pina – A film for Pina Bausch by Wim Wenders

2011     

103 minutes

English & Subtitles

Documentary

5 Stars

This documentary is about Pina Bausch and the Tanztheater Wuppertal dance company. I do not pretend to understand modern or interpretive dance, but I found this film breathtaking in places. While I would have liked more about her life (she died 2 days before filming began), this piece, or rather collection of pieces, speaks a great deal. I enjoy ballet (another medium I don't understand, but enjoy it), and now I have modern or interpretive dance to add to my enjoyment. The emotions of the dancers came through their movements rather than facial expression, and at times, I would have liked to see the face as part of the dance. The reviews are all over the spectrum, and with good reason. It is, purely, a thing of the heart.

Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNuQVS7q7-A

Kaguyahime: The Moon Princess

Ballet

1994

69 Minutes

5 Stars

The language of dance. Absolutely stunning. It is the telling of the classic Japanese folk tale of the Moon Princess, who comes to Earth hoping to bring peace, but whose beauty instead feeds jealousy and war. I wasn't so interested in the story, but the dancing and the music were superb. The music is a mixture of traditional Japanese flute and drum combined with modern; minimal costumes and sets; maximal beauty of dancing, and great lighting. If you like ballet, you will enjoy this.

trailer