And Then We Danced

Music Box Films | Release Date: February 7, 2020

7.5	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 29 Ratings

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Brent_MarchantFeb 19, 2020

The standard coming of age/coming out narrative may be almost trite in Western cinema these days, but talking about -- let alone depicting -- gay male sexuality in a film from the former Soviet republic of Georgia is quite a provocative move.The standard coming of age/coming out narrative may be almost trite in Western cinema these days, but talking about -- let alone depicting -- gay male sexuality in a film from the former Soviet republic of Georgia is quite a provocative move. That in itself makes "And Then We Danced" a daring subject for a movie -- and a commendable project -- from that nation. Through the lens of a traditional Georgian dance troupe, in which gender roles and stereotypes are rigidly defined both in the routines and the expected behavior of troupe members, the picture makes the case for a need for change in the acceptance of the LGBTQ community in a culture that's behind the times and unfairly (and legally) discriminatory. However, while the picture makes its point effectively, the script delivering it becomes unduly bogged down by a meandering story line in the second half after a carefully crafted opening. By trying to cover too much ground, the film seems to move about aimlessly as it inches toward a more cohesive concluding sequence that's more in line with the opening half. A little more tightening up in the screenplay and editing would have worked wonders for an otherwise-fine film. It's worth a watch, but catch it on DVD rather than rushing out to the theater.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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netflicApr 14, 2020

This is a love story from Swedish director Levan Akin who is ethnically Georgian. The whole action takes place in Tbilisi, the capitol of Georgia. The protagonist Merab is a young dancer for whom dancing is his whole life. He practices toThis is a love story from Swedish director Levan Akin who is ethnically Georgian. The whole action takes place in Tbilisi, the capitol of Georgia. The protagonist Merab is a young dancer for whom dancing is his whole life. He practices to join National Georgian Ensemble, the highest level of traditional Georgian folk dancing. His aspirations hit a wall of intolerance in Georgian society of today.
Levan Akin masterfully exposes orthodoxy of all levels of society in Georgia: honor marriages, honor fighting, homophobia. Every detail of life is realistic and believable. Highly recommend.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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AbananaJun 29, 2020

Low standard , cringe-worthy dialogue. Direction by Levan Akin is painfully self-conscious. Most of the good work is done by cinematography and editing. And Then We Danced, despite its relevance of homosexuality and persecution, made no markLow standard , cringe-worthy dialogue. Direction by Levan Akin is painfully self-conscious. Most of the good work is done by cinematography and editing. And Then We Danced, despite its relevance of homosexuality and persecution, made no mark at raising the bar above the platitudes we are familiar with within the genre, which resulted in it feeling like a "copy of a copy". I am all for Sweden's known attempts at affirmative action, showcasing its gay director with immigrant background, however. But international scrutiny is far less political, and Sweden picking this film as its Oscar submission left no one surprised when it did not even make the initial shortlist - for a reason. This film speaks to the sad decline of Swedish cinema.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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honestmateNov 25, 2020

this is another low tier movie who the only triest to succeed on the factor that there are gays in there this movie isn't only disrespectful for cristians its also disrespectful for gays cause it tries only to work on them there aren't anythis is another low tier movie who the only triest to succeed on the factor that there are gays in there this movie isn't only disrespectful for cristians its also disrespectful for gays cause it tries only to work on them there aren't any interesting or good moments in this movie it's another worthless… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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bertobellamyOct 6, 2021

'And Then We Danced' is your by-the-numbers coming-of-age film, but what a film!

You really care about these characters, especially Merab — a dancer discovering his sexual identity —, whose joyous and frustrating moments round out a very'And Then We Danced' is your by-the-numbers coming-of-age film, but what a film!

You really care about these characters, especially Merab — a dancer discovering his sexual identity —, whose joyous and frustrating moments round out a very compelling protagonist. Levan Gelbakhiani acting's very good, and I hope to see him again soon in another film. The tenderness he projects is astounding.

As you will expect, this is a movie about going against the establishment. Director Levan Akin paints a portrait of the youth in Georgia — a country where homosexuality is still taboo, and where old people expect the young to act per traditions. With Merab, Irakli (his rival and love interest), and even Merab's problematic brother, Akin — who is of Georgian descent — defies the concepts of masculinity, love, and tradition. Kudos to Georgian cinema! With their films, Dea Kulumbegashvili and Akin are giving a glimpse of their culture (the good and the bad) to the world. Can't wait for Alexandre Koberidze's new film.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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JLuis_001Jul 7, 2020

I liked it but I think the melodramatic overload greatly affected its performance.
Obviously, the film is rooted in drama, but when you go overboard with the tone, it gets pretty annoying. That was a simple but affecting flaw.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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DawdlingPoetNov 24, 2021

This is quite a cultural film, featuring lots of Georgian dancing and singing (which I quite enjoyed). There are some nice settings too of course. Its also somewhat thought provoking, given the plotline. The cast were good and it was quite aThis is quite a cultural film, featuring lots of Georgian dancing and singing (which I quite enjoyed). There are some nice settings too of course. Its also somewhat thought provoking, given the plotline. The cast were good and it was quite a good film overall, so yes I'd recommend it.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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CLeCromJan 2, 2021

Drama queer in Georgia, country where dance is Nation. A fairly classic gay plot in the cinema, but poetry and dance. Sensitive.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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