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The Dancer Upstairs (2002)

The Dancer Upstairs (2002)
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Actor John Malkovich made his directorial debut with this tense political thriller, set in an unnamed Latin American nation and based on a novel by Nicholas Shakespeare. Agustin Rejas (Javier Bardem) is a former lawyer who became a police detective as a more direct way of dealing with crime and justice. Rejas has been assigned to investigate a group of terrorists who are determined to up-end the current government through any means necessary, from revolting pranks (such as leaving dead animals, painted with revolutionary rhetoric, around the capitol building) to bombings and assassinations. Rejas knows little about the terrorists, and no one on the force is certain of the identity or whereabouts of the group's leader, who calls himself President Ezequiel. As Rejas learns more about Ezequiel and his group, they begin stepping up their actions, making his investigation all the more urgent. Meanwhile, Rejas is a man whose daughter is taking dance lessons from Yolanda (Laura Morante); as Rejas and Yolanda get to know one another, a romance begins to grow between them, but in time, Rejas begins to suspect that the woman he loves is working with the terrorists he's been trying to ferret out. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Javier BardemJuan Diego Botto, (more)
Director(s):
John Malkovich
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The Dancer Upstairs

Actor John Malkovich made his directorial debut with this tense political thriller, set in an unnamed Latin American nation and based on a novel by Nicholas Shakespeare. Agustin Rejas (Javier Bardem) is a former lawyer who became a police detective as a more direct way of dealing with crime and justice. Rejas has been assigned to investigate a group of terrorists who are determined to up-end the current government through any means necessary, from revolting pranks (such as leaving dead animals, painted with revolutionary rhetoric, around the capitol building) to bombings and assassinations. Rejas knows little about the terrorists, and no one on the force is certain of the identity or whereabouts of the group's leader, who calls himself President Ezequiel. As Rejas learns more about Ezequiel and his group, they begin stepping up their actions, making his investigation all the more urgent. Meanwhile, Rejas is a man whose daughter is taking dance lessons from Yolanda (Laura Morante); as Rejas and Yolanda get to know one another, a romance begins to grow between them, but in time, Rejas begins to suspect that the woman he loves is working with the terrorists he's been trying to ferret out. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
135 mins

Complete Cast of The Dancer Upstairs


Director(s):
John Malkovich
Writer(s):
Nicholas Shakespeare
Producer(s):
Andrés Vicente GómezJohn Malkovich
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Not For Children, Profanity, Graphic Violence)
Categories:
Independent FilmsMystery & Suspense
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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Member Reviews
 
Teresa M.

Malkovich and Bardem working together says it all . . . the rest of the cast were superb - the storyline takes you deeper and deeper into the characters - Bardem is mesmerizing as he always is !

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Alexander P.

This is John Malkovich's directorial debut, and he shows a remarkably confident hand. The shot composition is stark and beautiful, and his slow pacing builds suspense quite well. It's a riveting story, for those viewers who have the patience, and the acting is just tremendous all around--especially the fabulous Javier Bardem, who gives a subtly crafted masterpiece of a performance. The film is part love story, part political thriller, and it excels at both. Highly recommended to fans of true cinema.

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Jacqueline C.

John Malkovich did a terrific job directing his first film. And what more can be said about the fantastic Javier Bardem. He is one great actor!

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