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Desert Dancer

Play trailer Poster for Desert Dancer PG-13 2015 1h 44m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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31% Tomatometer 42 Reviews 62% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
In the volatile political and social climate of 2009 Tehran, Afshin Ghaffarian (Reece Ritchie) and a group of dancers start a secret dance company in the Iranian desert, far from the prying eyes of the government police. Along with a woman named Elaheh (Freida Pinto) who helps them refine their skills, Afshin and his company use what little Internet they can access to learn moves from banned videos starring legends like Michael Jackson, Gene Kelly and Rudolf Nureyev.
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Desert Dancer

Desert Dancer

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Critics Consensus

Desert Dancer never finds an agreeable rhythm, resulting in a musical drama that doesn't deliver on the promised spectacle or political commentary.

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Critics Reviews

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Wendy Ide Guardian 04/21/2016
2/5
It is montage heavy and toe-curlingly naive. Go to Full Review
Nick De Semlyen Empire Magazine 04/21/2016
2/5
It strives to be a rousing tale of rebellion, but the over-earnest result is more slow shuffle than kicky capoeira. Go to Full Review
Geoff Pevere Globe and Mail 04/17/2015
2/4
There would seem to be only one thing that the act of dancing cannot free the characters in Desert Dancer from, and that's the movie they're in. Go to Full Review
Richard Crouse Richard Crouse 02/03/2021
2/5
Contains important messages about human rights, cultural liberty and the significance of artistic expression but, despite the real-life source material, is weighed down with clichés. Go to Full Review
Bernard Boo Way Too Indie 03/14/2019
7/10
On a grand scale, Ghaffarian's story of putting his life on the line to create art is poignant and inspirational. It's a stirring reminder of art's true vitality. Go to Full Review
Mae Abdulbaki Punch Drunk Critics 08/14/2018
2.5/5
Bogged down by trying to be two very separate things and dragging its plot for a bit more time than it should have. A film with a lot of potential, but unfortunately underwhelming. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Mike W Dec 23 The story reinforces my notions of life in Iran. I enjoyed it and found a degree of admiration for the characters' bravery. It showed how completely the authoritarians control their public and leaves little doubt as to why the grey beards have not been overthrown. See more Danton M 03/23/2024 Incredible dancing is worth your time! The storyline might be a bit heavy handed, but it presents a very timely message about the negative impact of religious conservative radicals on self-expression. See more Frances H 07/22/2018 Not a bad effort. The dancing is good, and the glimpse into what a fanatical dictatorship does to the human spirit is true. See more 05/11/2018 The story alone is magical See more peter b 11/21/2016 At first it seems incredibly naive,but hey this a true story about a repressive regime and artists who will perform their art ...and maybe die. See more 08/29/2016 This was a little slow, but overall an entertaining movie. The dance in the desert was beautiful and totally made up for the dramatic slower moments. See more Read all reviews
Desert Dancer

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Movie Info

Synopsis In the volatile political and social climate of 2009 Tehran, Afshin Ghaffarian (Reece Ritchie) and a group of dancers start a secret dance company in the Iranian desert, far from the prying eyes of the government police. Along with a woman named Elaheh (Freida Pinto) who helps them refine their skills, Afshin and his company use what little Internet they can access to learn moves from banned videos starring legends like Michael Jackson, Gene Kelly and Rudolf Nureyev.
Director
Richard Raymond
Producer
Pippa Cross, Fabiola Beracasa Beckman, Izabella Miko, Luis Astorquia
Screenwriter
Jon Croker
Distributor
Relativity Media
Production Co
Greene Light Films, May 13 Films, Star Land kpc, 6Sales, Lipsync Productions, BluePencilSet, Relativity, Rostik Investment Group, Sarah Arison Productions
Rating
PG-13 (Thematic Elements|Some Drug Material|Violence)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 17, 2015, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 14, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$153.5K
Runtime
1h 44m
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