Reviews (21)

Great lineup, sterile handling
Carlos Saura has cornered the market for flamenco movies today, from his 'Carmen' and 'Bodas de Sangre'. The long career has given him access to Spain's top artists working today. Unfortunately he has not seen fit to change his doggedly austere style, throwing artists into a stark empty room hoping to induce a more somber, and presumably purer, more dignified and more respectable Art.

This may be good politics, but makes for bad art. Like it or not, the soul of flamenco cannot be torn from the Andalucian sun and earth and still live. Like Argentine tango and jazz, it is at its most vibrant and purposeful when it's at home among its people.

A much better intro to flamenco, which showcases this living link, would be "Duende y Misterio del Flamenco", "Los Tarantos" by legend Carmen Amaya, or the many Spanish TV documentaries like "Caminos Flamencos" or "Años de Flamenco" (with many of the same artists), available from Catalina's (catalinas@aol.com)

All the power, passion and artistry of contemporary flamenco
This is THE flamenco film. Carlos Saura, famous for his work with the great Antonio Gades ("Blood Wedding," "Carmen" and "El Amor Brujo") and for his portrait of Andalusian folklore in "Sevillanas," creates one of the best flamenco films ever made.

The focus in this work is on the performers and their performances. Sets are minimal and there is no "story" except that generated by the lyrics of the flamenco songs themselves. The director is careful to capture not only the larger aspects of the performances but also to zero in on the emotional engagement of the performers with their art . Flamenco is as much about the performer's struggles with the art and the emotions that underpin it as it is about a stage presentation. This is an intimate film despite the fact that it was shot in a train station. The sets, lighting and camera work continually direct your focus to that intimate space created by the performers.

The conceit of the film is a journey not only through flamenco's different styles as embodied by some of the art's greatest contemporary performers, but also a journey into the night. Not only is the night evoked through lighting effects, but the deep inner recesses of the soul are suggested as well, that inner wellspring from which flamenco itself arises.

This is the most profound exploration of flamenco ever captured on film. To understand flamenco, there is no better place to start than with Carlos Saura's masterpiece, "Flamenco."

Not what I thought...
I have listened to flamenco music all my life..I was born in Spain, and I'm telling you that this tape is not the true flamenco you would find on the streets of sevilla, or anywhere else in the south. ALso did not have enough dancing, which is the main atraction of the flamenco music.

Duende on film
Those not in the know tend to think of Flamenco in terms of women with fans and flying skirts and men in boots and macho attitudes. Well, yeah, but there's more, much more. This movie, filmed in a converted Spanish railway station, presents the full range of the Gitano's art, from traditional to modern, individual to group, expressing all the pain and joy of a true, very serious artform. A delight.

not enough dance
I am relatively new to flamenco and do not understand spanish. I like flamenco for the passion in the dance. I do not understand the music though, so my review might be that of a novice. I cannot even recognize the artists. I expected more dance in the video, though there are some very good pieces. I wanted to see more of the performers dancing like the world did not matter to them and the sound of the shoes was all the sound in the world, and the expressions in their faces. I am disappointed considering the price i paid for this. I wish I knew where to look for heart stopping flamenco dance. ... Read more

Reviews (35)

A Choreographic Tour de force
This is an impressive cinematic experience which borders on pure ballet. What Evita achieved in some measure in its operatic effort (for all that it was worth)the movie Tango unleashes a continuous virtuosic display of stunning dance sequences which is not unlike that of classical ballet. To be sure, the visual (not special) effects assume precedence over any character development, although the main character's angst is to some degree fairly well defined. There is some philosophical adumbrations, some of which betray influences of Jorge Luis Borges; namely, the omnipresence of mirrors, which suggest the reality/illusion references; the encapsulated, closed environment of the mise-en-scene, the inveterate lonliness of the protagonist. Overall the film tends toward the abstract, not unlike a painting in perpetual motion.

Saura does not take a back seat to Spielberg
Much of this extraordinary movie deals with the Tango; its origins, its importance to the Argentine culture. The dancing is superlative, the music is wonderful. Amidst the music and the dancing, is a taut, dramatic love story. The depth of the story is not necessarily in the character development, but rather in the blurring of the imagination and reality experienced by the main character. This "back and forth" between reality and the imagination is marvelously portrayed as a result of Saura's sophisticated direction. At times you think you are looking at the characters only to find that you are looking at reflections. The cinematography and lighting are superb. A moviegoer does not have to have an affinity for the Tango to appreciate this movie. The terrific acting, beautiful use of light and color and the surreal thought processes of the main character are worthwhile in their own right, but the music, dancing and insight into the production of the "show within the show" are truly wonderful. Definitely an eleven on a scale of ten.

Excellent cinematography, a motion picture art piece
Tango is an amazing movie in its exceptional combination of dance, music, camera technique, color, mirrors, and lighting.

At several points in this movie I thought to myself: "Wow, this lighting/camera perspective is perfect, why don't we see more of this in movies?" After watching the movie once, I found myself immediately going back to re-watch some specific scenes just like one may be drawn back to an especially interesting piece of art.

The plot of this movie *is not* what makes this a great picture, although it does effectively tie together the various scenes and the overall context of the film. What makes this a great film are the actors/actresses, dance numbers, music, and cinematography.

The english subtitles were clear and easy to read at all times.

Overall a very different and entertaining movie... Recommended.

A movie about a Tango movie, but not really...
This movie is definitely different than most American movies. It is by far abstract. This is my warning to you folks. Be glad there is definitely Tango in this movie. This is a movie about the making of a Tango movie where the real life of the director is blended into the movie he's making. There's also a dark political message in there.
There are some dramatic Tango and some fun and playful tango during practice. There's a female voice over working on her craft. And an intro to the musicians. This movie really shows the audience every that goes into Tango, not just the dancers. Everyone. Including the lighting director. It has some social aspects of tango, although it could have gone deeper into this.
This movie is great for people exploring Tango, movie making, or the inner workings of a musical.
This movie won't appeal to people who only like mainstream or are irritated by abstract art or ideas. You might even walk away thinking..."was that a movie?"...not really.

There aren't many Tango movies out there. This is better than Assassination Tango. I would give this a 3star if there are better ones out there. The main actor in this movie is really good. I've never seen him before, but I can see he would fit in
perfectly with any American movie.

Now to answer a previous review:"No talent movie". I don't think this movie have to have the BEST TANGO dancers. Just because someone can Tango doesn't mean they can act. In fact, as the movie shows, they make mistakes in the audition and practice.
Would it be realistic to be perfect from dance school to audition to practice to show?

Tedious with not much tango
Long boring monologue about a director's midlife crisis with a young dancer. We don't see much dancing (or even much of her), just his dreary voice and self, with uninspired artsy pseudo-ballet tango fitfully in the background ... Read more

Description

Brilliant painter Francisco de Goya, considered by many to be the most important artist of the modern era, reflects on his turbulent career and tempestuous relationships during the decline of Spain and a bloody war of independence, while living out his final days in exile. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Film as art
This movie by Carlos Saura is an ambitious attempt at recreating the life of celebrated Spanish artist, Francisco Goya. The cinematography is spell binding as the artists works are recreated masterfully, only to be matched by the magnificent time period recreation. The acting is very good, good enough to garnish a Goya(Spanish equivilent of an Oscar) for leading actor and actress. Veteran actor Francisco Rabal, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the real Goya and Maribel Vernu as Cayetana, the Dutchess of Alba, both won a Goya for their performances. If all this reference to Goya is confusing it is because I'm laying the foundation for the problem with this movie. The story of Goya is told to his daughter through a series of flashbacks that are at times very perplexing. It is not so much that they are confusing but that no explanation is given to the circumstances of Goya's life. Saura makes the leap that everyone knows about Goya rather than explaining. Maybe everyone in Spain knows about Goya but not all viewers are Spanish. It helps to be up on your Spanish history prior to viewing to understand the political nature of the times and the reason for his self imposed exile to Bordeaux in his later years. I did some reading afterwards but it would have been better to know the why before viewing. Anyway the sets and lighting are works of art in themselves as the paintings and walls in one sequence come to life. These hallucinations are part of the torment that Goya suffers and is reflected in his art. Some insights are given into the life of Goya but it is hard to distinguish fact from fiction. Goyas mixing in the royal court and hob nobing with the rich and famous are perfect backdrops for his cavorting with Cayetana. Saura has created a work of art in his homage to one of Spains master painters. Goya's life and death, as represented in this film, is the end of an era linked to Velasquez and the birth of modern art in Spain. Recommended for art enthuisists with deep pockets.

Film as art
This movie by Carlos Saura is an ambitious attempt at recreating the life of celebrated Spanish artist, Francisco Goya. The cinematography is spell binding as the artists works are recreated masterfully, only to be matched by the magnificent time period recreation. The acting is very good, good enough to garnish a Goya(Spanish equivilent of an Oscar) for leading actor and actress. Veteran actor Francisco Rabal, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the real Goya and Maribel Vernu as Cayetana, the Dutchess of Alba, both won a Goya for their performances. If all this reference to Goya is confusing it is because I'm laying the foundation for the problem with this movie. The story of Goya is told to his daughter through a series of flashbacks that are at times very perplexing. It is not so much that they are confusing but that no explanation is given to the circumstances of Goya's life. Saura makes the leap that everyone knows about Goya rather than explaining. Maybe everyone in Spain knows about Goya but not all viewers are Spanish. It helps to be up on your Spanish history prior to viewing to understand the political nature of the times and the reason for his self imposed exile to Bordeaux in his later years. I did some reading afterwards but it would have been better to know the why before viewing. Anyway the sets and lighting are works of art in themselves as the paintings and walls in one sequence come to life. These hallucinations are part of the torment that Goya suffers and is reflected in his art. Some insights are given into the life of Goya but it is hard to distinguish fact from fiction. Goyas mixing in the royal court and hob nobing with the rich and famous are perfect backdrops for his cavorting with Cayetana. Saura has created a work of art in his homage to one of Spains master painters. Goya's life and death, as represented in this film, is the end of an era linked to Velasquez and the birth of modern art in Spain. Recommended for art enthuisists with deep pockets.

An Exploration on the Role of the Artist in Society
Saura's newest film follows in the tradition of <>, <> and his most recent film <>. All explore the role of the artist as <> within society. <> is no exception. The film features Francisco Rabal, now the elderly Goya, who recounts his life to his young daughter in a series of artistic flashbacks, many of which cross the boundaries of time and space. Integral to the plot are his recollections of his affair with Cayetana, the famed Duchess of Alba, and who torments his thoughts throughout the course of the film bringing an element of reality to the artist's sometimes surreal world, a world where Goya's paintings serve as backdrops to illustrate the historical period. In addition, unusual lighting and music contribute to the film's artistic flare, all blending into a lush and virtual feast for the eyes. I truly enjoyed this creative experiment. It is a must for Saura fans and for those who enjoy Spanish art and history.

love goya
i don't watch too many foreign films, not really my kind of thing, but this is easily one of my favorite movies. has a wonderful look to it. if you like foreign movies you should check this out.

Indeed, a masterpiece
After seeing this film twice at the Vancouver Film Festival, visiting from my home in Mexico, I could hardly wait to own it, even though it was only available in VHS. I find it fascinating and disturbing that Saura's masterpiece, as non-linear and right-brained as any great work of art, should be maligned by critics such as Roger Ebert, and others. Here's to those who've written their praise for the film on these pages!
This is extraordinary creation, a fusion of both outer and inner realities that the logical mind cannot grasp - and why must it? Does it really matter what happened factually to Goya? Aren't those fiery skies and the music of Boccherini, reflecting the fire and brimstone in Goya's mind, enough to tell us that the film is mythic? Shakespeare did the same thing with his tragic heroes because the Elizabethans and the alchemists believed in "as above, so below". Macbeth's turmoil is reflected in the storms outside, and the bloody battles raging around him. Yet that's fiction and we believe this world is reality..
I buy few films, and I cherish this one. I'm still longing for "Providence" to come out on DVD because Resnais interweaves life and art from the same perspective...an old man, a writer, dying among his living, breathing creations. I live in an Mexico's oldest city, on a street named "Cinco de Mayo" Every day I'm reminded of Goya's painting, and this film is shown at least once a month on TV because the Mexicans love it - the Latin world has no problem suspending reality in the name of art - which is why Andre Breton called Mexico the ultimate surrealism. Thank you Saura, once again. ... Read more