Desert Dancer

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Desert Dancer

PG-13

2015

1h 44m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

31%

Tomatometer

42 Reviews

62%

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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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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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Wendy Ide

Guardian

It is montage heavy and toe-curlingly naive.

Rated: 2/5

Apr 21, 2016

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Nick De Semlyen

Empire Magazine

It strives to be a rousing tale of rebellion, but the over-earnest result is more slow shuffle than kicky capoeira.

Rated: 2/5

Apr 21, 2016

Full Review

Geoff Pevere

Globe and Mail

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.

Rated: 2/4

Apr 17, 2015

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Richard Crouse

Richard Crouse

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.

Rated: 2/5

Feb 3, 2021

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Bernard Boo

Way Too Indie

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.

Rated: 7/10

Mar 14, 2019

Full Review

Mae Abdulbaki

Punch Drunk Critics

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.

Rated: 2.5/5

Aug 14, 2018

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Mike W

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.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/23/24

Full Review

Danton M

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/23/24

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Frances H

Not a bad effort. The dancing is good, and the glimpse into what a fanatical dictatorship does to the human spirit is true.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/14/18

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Audience Member

The story alone is magical

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/11/18

Full Review

peter b

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.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

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.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

Full Review

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Richard Raymond

Director

Freida Pinto

Elaheh

Reece Ritchie

Afshin Ghaffarian

Tom Cullen

Ardavan

Nazanin Boniadi

Parisa Ghaffarian

Makram Khoury

Mehdi

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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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