“Review: 22. Ballerina – A Poignant Dance of Dreams, Reality, and Resilience
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Review: 22. Ballerina – A Poignant Dance of Dreams, Reality, and Resilience
"22. Ballerina," directed by Greta Zuvela, is not just a dance film; it’s a compelling narrative about ambition, sacrifice, and the complex interplay between dreams and reality. Set against the backdrop of the competitive world of ballet, the film follows the journey of Suri, a young and exceptionally talented ballerina on the cusp of achieving her lifelong aspiration. However, her meticulously crafted world begins to unravel as she grapples with the pressures of perfection, the sacrifices required by her art, and the looming question of what comes next when the body can no longer keep pace with the demands of the stage.
A World of Precision and Passion
The film immediately immerses the audience in the rigorous and demanding world of ballet. The opening scenes are a visual feast, showcasing the elegance, precision, and athleticism of the dancers. Zuvela’s direction captures the beauty of the movements while also hinting at the immense physical and mental toll it takes to achieve such grace. The camera work is intimate, focusing on the dancers’ faces, their strained muscles, and the sweat that glistens on their brows, conveying the dedication and effort that goes into every pirouette and plié.
Suri, played with remarkable depth and nuance by newcomer Anja Suša, is the heart of the film. She embodies the passion and dedication that drive so many young artists. From a young age, Suri has dedicated her life to ballet, sacrificing normal teenage experiences for hours of grueling practice. She is driven by a burning desire to become a prima ballerina, a dream that has been nurtured by her demanding but loving mother, herself a former dancer who never quite reached the heights she aspired to.
The Price of Perfection
As Suri approaches her audition for a prestigious ballet company, the pressure mounts. The film deftly explores the psychological toll of pursuing perfection. Suri’s relentless pursuit of excellence leads to a strained relationship with her friends, a growing sense of isolation, and a constant battle with self-doubt. She is haunted by the fear of failure, the possibility that all her sacrifices will be in vain.
The film also sheds light on the darker aspects of the ballet world, including the intense competition, the pressure to conform to unrealistic body standards, and the prevalence of injuries. Suri’s body becomes a battleground, constantly pushed to its limits. A nagging injury threatens to derail her dreams, forcing her to confront the fragility of her physical form and the limitations of her chosen path.
Beyond the Stage Lights
"22. Ballerina" is not solely focused on the physical demands of ballet; it also delves into the emotional and personal lives of the dancers. Suri’s relationship with her mother is a central theme of the film. Her mother’s own unfulfilled dreams cast a long shadow over Suri’s journey. While her mother is supportive, she also places immense pressure on Suri to succeed, inadvertently fueling her anxiety and self-doubt.
The film also explores Suri’s budding romance with a young musician named Luka. Luka represents a different world, one that is less structured and more spontaneous. He encourages Suri to embrace life outside of ballet, to find joy in simple pleasures, and to question whether her relentless pursuit of perfection is truly worth the cost.
A Turning Point
As Suri’s injury worsens, she is forced to confront the possibility that her dancing career may be over. This is a turning point in the film, as Suri begins to question her identity and her purpose in life. Without ballet, who is she? What else is she capable of?
The film doesn’t shy away from the emotional turmoil that Suri experiences. She grapples with feelings of anger, frustration, and despair. She questions her mother’s motives, resents the sacrifices she has made, and doubts her own talent.
Resilience and Redefinition
However, "22. Ballerina" is ultimately a story of resilience. Suri’s journey is not about achieving a fairy-tale ending but about finding strength and purpose in the face of adversity. As she recovers from her injury, she begins to explore other aspects of her life. She reconnects with her friends, spends more time with Luka, and discovers new passions.
The film suggests that there is life beyond the stage lights, that success can be defined in many different ways. Suri’s journey is about redefining her dreams, finding new sources of fulfillment, and embracing the unknown.
Performances and Technical Aspects
Anja Suša delivers a captivating performance as Suri. She embodies the character’s vulnerability, determination, and inner turmoil with remarkable authenticity. Her dance sequences are mesmerizing, showcasing her talent and dedication.
The supporting cast is equally strong. Suri’s mother, played by veteran actress Marija Skaričić, is a complex and nuanced character, torn between her own unfulfilled dreams and her desire for her daughter’s success. Luka, played by young actor Goran Bogdan, is a charming and supportive presence in Suri’s life.
The film’s cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty and grace of ballet while also conveying the physical and emotional strain of the dancers. The soundtrack is equally effective, blending classical music with contemporary pieces to create a mood that is both elegant and emotionally resonant.
Themes and Messages
"22. Ballerina" explores a number of important themes, including:
- The pursuit of perfection: The film questions the value of striving for perfection, particularly when it comes at the expense of one’s physical and mental well-being.
- The pressure to succeed: The film highlights the pressure that young people face to achieve success, particularly in competitive fields like ballet.
- The importance of self-discovery: The film emphasizes the importance of finding one’s own path, even if it deviates from the expectations of others.
- The power of resilience: The film celebrates the human capacity to overcome adversity and find strength in the face of challenges.
Critique
While "22. Ballerina" is a compelling and well-crafted film, it does have a few minor flaws. The pacing is somewhat uneven at times, and the film could have benefited from a more focused narrative. Additionally, some of the supporting characters could have been developed more fully.
Conclusion
Overall, "22. Ballerina" is a poignant and thought-provoking film that will resonate with audiences of all ages. It is a story about the sacrifices we make in pursuit of our dreams, the challenges we face when those dreams are threatened, and the resilience we find within ourselves to redefine our purpose. The film is a visual masterpiece, with stunning cinematography and captivating dance sequences. Anja Suša delivers a remarkable performance as Suri, and the supporting cast is equally strong. "22. Ballerina" is a must-see for anyone who appreciates dance, drama, or stories about the human spirit. It’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
It earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
