Alive and Kicking

Name: Alive and Kicking
Genre: History, Music, Documentary
Released: April 7, 2017
Duration: 88 min
Rating: 77

2017

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Generally favorable reviews based on 5 Critic Reviews

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Alive And Kicking

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Movie Details & Credits

Magnolia Pictures | Release Date: April 7, 2017 | Not Rated

Summary: Alive and Kicking gives the audience an intimate, insider’s view into the culture of the current swing dance world while shedding light on issues facing modern society. No matter what troubles they are facing in their lives, swing dancers are filled with joy, exhilaration, and even giddiness while they dance. Boiled down to its core, swingAlive and Kicking gives the audience an intimate, insider’s view into the culture of the current swing dance world while shedding light on issues facing modern society. No matter what troubles they are facing in their lives, swing dancers are filled with joy, exhilaration, and even giddiness while they dance. Boiled down to its core, swing dancing is about the pursuit of happiness. Most people think of happiness as a passive emotion: if something good happens, I will be happy. But we all have the ability to feel joy despite the worst of circumstances once we realize that happiness exists inside of us. [Magnolia Pictures]… Expand

Director: Susan Glatzer

Genre(s): History, Music, Documentary

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 88 min

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Critic Reviews

Moira Macdonald

Apr 12, 2017

It’s impossible to watch this film without a tapping toe and a smile. Read full review

Serena Donadoni

Apr 6, 2017

The dancers in Alive and Kicking all share a rapturous expression, and Glatzer makes the case for this Depression-era diversion as a modern tonic for isolation. Read full review

Sheri Linden

Apr 6, 2017

There may be no fancy filmmaking steps in “Alive and Kicking,” but the jaw-dropping improvisations and physical intimacy of the dancers make it an action film par excellence — joy-fueled and gravity-defying. Read full review

Christopher Kompanek

Apr 6, 2017

Glatzer captures the visceral charge of moving wildly in tandem with another person, often in improvised bouts that forge strong bonds between partners, if only for a few minutes. Read full review

John DeFore

Apr 4, 2017

Though its cinematography is nothing to write home about, the action Alive and Kicking captures is so transfixing, one marvels that dancers can keep it up for five years, much less five decades. Read full review

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swing

Jul 12, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. As member of "the community," I was interested in seeing this documentary. I'm not sure how it would draw in others who aren't swing dancers. For the most part, the documentary delivered, but in a typical way, following the trials and tribulations of three competition lindyhoppers who teach for a living, along with a few other stories. The tale of the three competitors was engrossing, but severely overdrawn during the 90 min of the film. There was no mention the history and origins of the dance, other than a tree of life and the dance's start in the Savoy Ballroom. It did highlight Frankie Manning and Norma Miller, and it's current status of the dance. No other giants of Lindyhop from the 1930's, nor the bands and the music that influenced the dance, were noted. The focus was clearly on competition, although 95% of the dancers are not competitors. It would have been interesting to highlight them more. The international aspect was mentioned, as was the fact that there is little or no Black participation in the dance any longer. The short segment on Blues dancing was misguided. Lindyhoppers do not form the core of Blues Dancers and generally do not participate in their weekly events or competitions. Although the video is drawn out, it did hold my attention.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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