The Ballroom DVD, 2007

aka Chega de Saudade

£7.99

RRP: £15.99
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MovieMail's Review

Set over the course of one evening, The Ballroom tells of the lives, loves and dreams of the patrons of a traditional Brazilian dance hall. It's a superbly choreographed compendium that boasts a wonderful soundtrack, says David Parkinson.

Majestically photographed by Walter Carvallho, The Ballroom is a superbly choreographed compendium of six stories unfolding over a single night at a São Paulo gafieira. It irresistibly recalls Ettore Scola's Le Bal (1983) and La Cena (1998). The spotlight shines brightest on onetime champion Leonardo Villar, whose monochrome reveries about his deceased wife remind him to be more courteous to forgetful partner Tônia Carrero. But the entire ensemble excels, as would-be womanisers, neglected wives, jealous boyfriends and manicured vamps reflect on their lost youths and former glories. Set-pieces like the power cut and the ladies' excuse me add a certain frisson, as director Laís Bodanzky slips effortlessly between gentle comedy and melancholic melodrama. Moreover, with Elza Soares and Marku Ribas providing the Latin numbers that keep the dance floor packed, he also switches slickly between sinuous tracking shots and rhythmic montages that capture the regrets, frustrations and disappointments the ageing clientele eagerly seeks to escape, if only for a fleeting moment of nostalgic, sensual pleasure.

David Parkinson on 21st July 2010
View all 163 of David Parkinson's reviews

Film Information

Director - Lais Bodansky

Produced - 2007

Main Language - Portuguese with English subtitles

Countries & Regions - South American Film

DVD Details

Certificate:	15	Publisher:	MATCH	Region:	2
Length:	95 mins	Cat No:	MBF003
Format:	DVD Colour

Film Description

The Ballroom invites you to experience the lives, loves and dreams of the patrons of a traditional Brazilian dance hall. Set over the course of one evening, the film brings together a variety of characters who attend the ballroom each week and live for their moment on the dance floor.
As they recall the past, imagine the future, have fun, flirt, fight and, of course, dance, their passions and desires unfold in front of our eyes.

An enormous hit in its native Brazil, and set to a wonderful soundtrack featuring songs performed by Elza Soares and Marku Ribu, The Ballroom is passionate drama of lives transformed and love invigorated by the magical power of the dance hall.