Review of The Maiden Danced to Death (2011) by Morgan J — 25 Oct 2011

One word: "Virtuosic".

Stunning photography; intense performances; poignant, raw, yet elegant dances and unique soundtrack that highlights the allegory of folkloric Hungarian dance which mirrors the story.

Steve, a dancer-turned-impresario, returns to his native Hungary after 20 years. He finds that the Communist regime that expelled him is gone, but his brother, Gyula, hasn't changed. He still works with the same cash-strapped dance company they started together and is married to Steve's former sweetheart, Mari. The two men's rivalry is triggered instantly, but Mari challenges them to revive their last success together, a dance on the ballad "The Maiden Danced to Death". If Gyula can make Steve's exacting standards, Steve will promote a world tour, breathing new life into the sagging careers of both brothers.

Sure, the film has its issues mainly in the screenplay and exposition (the often under explained and more often over explained), but these proved to be minor distractions from the otherwise stunning visuals shot by Academy Award winning cinematographer, Vilmos Zsigmond.

The stars billed in the movie such as Deborah Kara Unger and Gil Bellows actually have fairly modest screen time, so fans should be prepared to be left wanting more from them, but the intense roles played by the relatively unknown Bea Melkvi and Lsolt Laszlo (who won a Hungarian award for the role) are discoveries that more than make up for it.

The "The Maiden Danced to Death" has every potential to become one of those enduring world cinema classics. Despite a growing track record on the international festival circuit, North American audiences may have to wait a bit longer. Don't be surprised if you see this again in a few years in a U.S. style remake.