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And Then We Danced

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And Then We Danced

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Summary

Romantic drama starring Levan Gelbakhiani. Dance student Merab has been training intensely to compete for a place in the National Georgian Ensemble, but his future is thrown into jeopardy by the arrival of an alluring new male dancer. While juggling pressure from his instructor, his classmates and his family, Merab also attempts to make sense of his own sexuality as his feelings for the dancer grow.

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Review

A star rating of 5 out of 5.

Emma Simmonds

Painting a vivid and complex picture of traditions that unite and divide, And Then We Danced is set in present-day Tbilisi and tells the story of Georgian National Ensemble dancer Merab (Levan Gelbakhiani). Wide-eyed and hard-grafting, he develops a crush on his charismatic male rival Irakli (Bachi Valishvili) as the two compete for a coveted spot in the main ensemble. Meanwhile, their tutor (Kakha Gogidze) is a fierce defender of the artform's old-fashioned approach to gender representation. Swedish writer/director Levan Akin (whose parents are of Georgian origin) richly realises the local culture, from the food and festivities to the politics and poverty. With equal poise, he shows how dance can be both a rigidly controlled ritual and a beautiful release. Newcomer Gelbakhiani is remarkably adept at conveying Merab's inner life and tumultuous emotional journey, from the giddy first flushes of love to the dangerous abandon that overtakes him in a country where being gay is still considered an unforgivable sin. It's tremendously moving stuff, and masterfully managed by Akin.

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7.6/10

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Credits

Cast

rolenameMerabLevan GelbakhianiIrakliBachi ValishviliMaryAna JavakishviliDavidGiorgi TsereteliTeonaTamar Bukhnikashvili

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Crew

rolenameDirectorLevan Akin

Details

Theatrical distributor

Peccadillo Pictures

Released on

2020-03-13

Languages

Georgian

Guidance

Swearing, sex scenes.

Available on

DVD

Formats

Colour

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