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Strike a Pose

Play trailer Poster for Strike a Pose Released Jan 18, 2017 1h 23m Documentary Music LGBTQ+ Play Trailer Watchlist
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96% Tomatometer 23 Reviews 70% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
In 1990, seven young male dancers joined Madonna on her controversial "Blonde Ambition" tour. They soon discovered that they were role models in the gay community, though they didn't always feel like it.
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Strike a Pose

Critics Reviews

View All (23) Critics Reviews
Wendy Ide Observer (UK) The approach could have been a little more hard-hitting, but it's a moving account of the way one huge opportunity can unbalance the life that follows. Rated: 3/5 Feb 5, 2017 Full Review Matthew Lickona San Diego Reader The film isn't overly interested in gory details, however; it prefers to push a narrative of hope and healing, so much so that it concludes with a reunion dinner wherein The Queen of Pop is absolved in absentia. Rated: 2/5 Feb 3, 2017 Full Review Brad Wheeler Globe and Mail The affecting film is absent of the truth or dare it had the potential for. Rated: 2.5/4 Feb 3, 2017 Full Review Erica Peplin Vague Visages Like Alice Neel’s portraits, Strike a Pose gives its subject the attention they deserve. The men return the favor by sharing their stories with honesty, forthrightness and fantastic attitudes. Dec 5, 2023 Full Review Jason Shawhan Nashville Scene But this doc does address the complicated nature of who Madonna is and what the legacy of Truth or Dare is, and it is essential viewing for that, and for letting these dancers tell their stories. Sep 10, 2021 Full Review Kim Hughes Original Cin Re-released to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Madonna: Truth or Dare, Strike a Pose captures an extraordinary moment in time. May 19, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member A very moving and interesting documentary that explored our humanity and challenges we face in a very thoughtful and meaningful way. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review Audience Member This documentary could have been so much more. But loved the heartfelt raw and true emotions of all the dancers. I wish that they could have done more with their talent; but I understand this was not as easy as one may think. Love these dancers and will always will. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member Strike A Pose: Seven male backup dancers were part of Madonna’s wildly controversial 1990 Blond Ambition tour and accompanying documentary, Truth or Dare. For those familiar with that era and the juggernaut “Vogue” music video, this “Where are they now?” documentary is an interesting yet depressing glimpse at how a moment of enormous fame details lives - for about 10 minutes. Despite some poignant moments about those diagnosed with, and lost to HIV, the documentary is frustratingly scant on substance, bringing up, then glossing over, the lawsuit by two of the dancers against Madonna, whose understandable absence in this film makes it even more pointless, self indulgent and frankly, boring. C- Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 12/18/17 Full Review Audience Member Gives a picture of what happens after the spotlight fades. (Somewhat depressing.) Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review ricca s It is as transparent as it could be. May have left some deeper truths about each dancer but to peek into what they really thought and felt was gold. A must see for the fans. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member In the early 90's Madonna embarked on the controversial "Blond Ambition Tour" with 7 backup dancers. The tour was an incredible experience for these young men who reflects here, on the personal journey they have been through 25 years later. Heartwarming, incredibly honest, the documentary is filled with a very powerful message of love, resilience and temerity. At times though, the film wanders a little too much (in my opinion) on some aspects of the protagonists personal turmoils but it is nevertheless fascinating to see how some experiences can shape the rest of your life and truly guide/define your journey. Although we can regret that Madonna herself did not get more involved in this project (as one of the dancers says, she doesn't owe us anything), it is maybe better to have her away from the spotlight and give full voices to these incredible people who have strived to live and fight all the way for equal rights, gay acceptance and a right to dignity. Some of the scenes are emotionally charged while some fall a little flat and appear a little heavy handed to say the least. Nevertheless the project is entertaining and will give the fans a deeper understanding of what it is to be touring with one of the biggest star on the planet and then quietly return to your life and move on. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis In 1990, seven young male dancers joined Madonna on her controversial "Blonde Ambition" tour. They soon discovered that they were role models in the gay community, though they didn't always feel like it.
Director
Ester Gould, Reijer Zwaan
Producer
Rosan Boersma, Denis Wigman, Reijer Zwaan, Sander Verdonk
Distributor
Bond/360
Production Co
Arte, CTM Docs, Südwestrundfunk (SWR), Serendipity Films, NTR
Genre
Documentary, Music, LGBTQ+
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 18, 2017, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
May 6, 2017
Runtime
1h 23m
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