Pina

Directed By: Wim Wenders
Starring: Pina Bausch, Tanztheater Wuppertal Ensemble

103 mins 

Words: Kate Lippiatt

Not your average dance film.

Pina is a 3D feature length dance film that is listed as a documentary into the life and works of German choreographer Pina Bausch. What the piece presents is similar to that of a eulogy to Pina, where we are shown in turn many of her most renowned pieces recreated by those she worked with. The highly diverse mix of pieces are intercepted with short words of love and admiration for her, as well as very brief shots of Pina herself in action.

Pina's work was in highly contemporary dance, and you will see this in the film with lots of spasmatic movements, pulls at clothing, and falls to the ground. Often the dancers appear to be in pain or great distress, right through to elated joy, stemming from the deep connection they feel with the movement.  You can easily see that each dancer was moved by Pina, with every move she made and every word she spoke resonating within them. Many will find this film confusing and obscure, but there are moments where you can appreciate the beauty of the movement, as well as the setting and the music.

Highly acclaimed for the beauty it represents, the film is certainly one for lovers or appreciators of contemporary dance. If you've got an open mind, it's worth a look, but it's certainly a niche appreciation. It's one of those things that will either have a deep and powerful connection with you, or will leave you sitting there confused about what on earth you have just witnessed. In short, you'll either get it, or you won't. For the latter, I can say it can get quite repetitive at times. There is no actual story line, it's a collection of pieces in celebration of Pina. But even with little or no appreciation for contemporary dance, the film is still visually captivating.

Pina is a one of a kind film in the way that it uses 3D technology to capture the essence of dancers moving within a stage or setting. Some will see the beauty, others obscurity, perhaps even a mix of both, but either way it is an interesting visual piece to watch that has the potential to leave you bewildered or entranced.

You may like.
Movie Review: The Conspirator	Movie Review: X-Men First Class	Book Review: Lonely for my Land	Movie Review: Goddess & Vengeance

Home