Exploring Identity Through Dance

Read Time:3 Minute, 45 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Aligned
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 17m
Director(s): Apollo Bakopoulos
Writer(s): Apollo Bakopoulos
Cast: Dimitris Fritzelas, Panos Malakos, Mantalena Papadatou, Anna Magou, Theodoris Panas, Yannis Adoniou, Nick Atkinson
Language: Modern Greek with English subtitles
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 BFI Flare Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: ALIGNED takes you from the kinetic energy of New York City to the historic grace of Athens, weaving a compelling tale of self-discovery through the medium of dance. Directed by Apollo Bakopoulos, this film combines artistry with deep emotional narratives, bringing a fresh perspective to the dance genre. While it navigates through some familiar themes, the fresh approach and vivid aesthetics infuse it with a distinctive charm.

In ALIGNED, Aeneas (Panos Malakos) and Alex (Dimitris Fritzelas) emerge as dancers from very different backgrounds who discover a shared language in dance. The film starts with powerful moments that perfectly capture the essence of each city, setting the stage for the characters' personal and emotional journeys. The opening sequences are, without a doubt, a high point, promising a film that visually and emotionally engages with its audience.

As the storyline unfolds, the dance choreography and the story itself serve as a performance and a profound mode of communication between the characters, reflecting their inner joys and struggles. The dance sequences stand out, crafted with a sensitivity that bridges the characters' personal experiences with their artistic expressions. These moments are among the film’s most compelling, drawing the audience deeper into the characters' emotional arcs.

However, ALIGNED occasionally treads on some familiar ground, with certain plotlines lacking in depth that might have otherwise deepened the narrative. The grandeur of Athens and the buzz of New York are sometimes more of a distraction than an enhancement to the story, overshadowing the deeper connection that Bakopoulos aims to tell. This type of film is precisely what a 2.5-star rating is for. While some people may view that rating as an insult, I will stand by the fact that it's a film that didn’t connect with me. Mathematically, it's a film that fell right in the middle. Something that I didn’t love but also didn’t hate.

The film shines in its portrayal of dance as a transformative force. Bakopoulos, drawing from his own cultural roots and personal insights, instills authenticity and an understanding of the role of heritage in personal growth in the film.

Cinematographically, ALIGNED is a visual treat. The thoughtful use of lighting and scenery enhances key moments, elevating the impact and complementing the film’s narrative themes of freedom and self-discovery. These visual strategies effectively underscore the film’s exploration of identity and belonging.

Despite these strengths, the film only sometimes delivers the narrative one might hope for in a genre as rich as dance. While heartfelt, the plot occasionally lacked the engagement necessary to fully invest its audience in the characters' journeys.

Overall, ALIGNED is an earnest celebration of dance as an art form and a means of personal exploration. While it may not revolutionize the dance film genre, it is undeniably beautiful and emotionally resonant. It offers a worthwhile experience for those who appreciate introspective storytelling and stunning dance performances. This debut from Bakopoulos suggests a promising future, with the potential to craft even more nuanced and groundbreaking films.

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[photo courtesy of APOLLO NEW YORK PRODUCTIONS]

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