Tango Lesson

Filmed in Paris and Buenos Aires, my favorite scenes are lesson #8 and when she dances with the handsome older man in the club. He's sensational, and I wish we could have seen more of him. Sally Potter is wonderful (see her beautiful "Orlando"), she's a very special talent and as the star of this film she's touching, strong, feminine, and radiant. Pablo Veron ! What a fabulous dancer. If you like any kind of dancing, watch this man. He's perfect for the part and makes the inevitability of her falling for him easy to believe...wouldn't we all ? and oh ! the last kiss...could you die and go to heaven or what ? I love this gorgeous, sensual, romantic film !


Striking movie that captures the spirit of the Tango   November 18, 1998
Chris Charuhas (chris@usabletech.com) (Alexandria, VA)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

Most dance movies obscure the actual dancing in a barrage of MTV-quick-cut shots of heads and feet. This one doesn't. Why not? Because it doesn't have to. The dancers are terrific, and shooting them full-length, with the camera on them for minutes at a time, shows them and the Tango to advantage.

After a distracting yet stylish introduction, the movie settles down into its intelligent portrayal of two exceptional people learning to love each other and dance together. The director wisely keeps the dialogue to a minimum, and lets the dancing tell the story. And what dancing! The Tango is a captivating dance to begin with, and these folks dance it with grace and passion.

Pablo Veron has more screen presence than any other actor alive, and he's a world-class dancer to boot. Sally Potter, the movie's director who plays his partner is also an excellent tanguera. Did I say it before? The dancing is amazing!

From the parks of Paris to the Tango salons of Buenos Aires, the characters speak to each other in French, Spanish, and English. This ain't Hollywood fare. No car chases, no pulling of heart strings, no wacky characters. Just striking cinematography, a fine, spare script, and delightful dancing. If you like beautiful things, you'll like this movie.


One of My Favorite Movies   May 24, 2003
16 out of 17 found this review helpful

I absolutely loved it because it's an adult love story told from an adult point of view. The two main characters have strong personalities, and because of their occupations, are used to being in control. They learn that in life, sometimes you lead and sometimes you follow. The cinematography is perfect; you only see what needs to be on screen, nothing superfuous. The same can be said about the dialogue. Sally Potter was involved in every aspect of her film: directing, writing, acting, dancing, writing music/lyrics, and singing. There is great chemistry between the two main characters and the music and dancing are wonderful. You won't be sorry you purchased it. The music will make you raptuous and the dancing will inspire you to dance.


One of the best films of the 90s   January 9, 1999
Collin Mitchell Kelley (Atlanta, GA USAQ)
14 out of 15 found this review helpful

Director Sally Potter, who gave us the brilliant "Orlando, turns the camera on herself to give an intimate and often wrenching performance. Potter plays herself, a frustrated director desperately trying to finish a script she has no faith in. On a research trip to Paris, she sees Veron dancing the tango and instantly falls in love. She takes up the dance, and the story follows her around the world as she learns the art of the tango. The stunning camera work (shot mostly in black and white, but with haunting colour images as Potter imagines her screenplay coming to life)is breathtaking. There are so many moments of pleasure in this film: Potter and Veron dancing the tango along the Seine in Paris, in the rain in Argentina and in an abandoned barbershop. The soundtrack is a must as well. A masterpiece.