Review of White Nights (1985) by David F — 16 May 2008
This political dance drama showcases a few fantastic dance sequences (the opening ballet featuring Baryshnikov, despite its few moments of incredulity within the piece as a theatrical presentation; a tap piece cum political monologue by Hines; and a duet by the two dancers in their rehearsal studio) and a fantastic acting turn from Helen Mirren.
Otherwise, the film takes its "message" too seriously and forgets that sometime the best morals are conveyed through good storytelling rather than hamfisted political posturing. The climactic escape sequence is riddled with suspense; it is somewhat a pity that that level of tension isn't sustained throughout so that when the leads break into dance, the dancing truly embodies the idea of breaking free that it so desperately seeks to convey.
This review of White Nights (1985) was written by David F on 16 May 2008.
White Nights has generally received positive reviews.
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