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The American

Play trailer 2:06 Poster for The American Released May 17 1h 50m Drama Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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The American is based on the story of Joy Womack (Talia Ryder), one of the very few Americans ever accepted into Russia's elite Bolshoi Ballet. Testing the limits of dedication, determination, sacrifice and virtuosity, Joy's brilliance is an inspirational journey into the most competitive, hostile dance school in the world. Spurred on by Tatiyana Volkova (Diane Kruger), the Bolshoi's magnetic and masterful tutor, and the searing passions of first love, Joy's leap into the unknown touches immortal perfection. But at what price?
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The American

Critics Reviews

View All (7) Critics Reviews
Tina Kakadelis Beyond the Cinerama Dome The American celebrates such a delicate art, but is a bloody tale about the cost of obsessively reaching for perfection. Nov 19, 2024 Full Review Philip Bagnall Loud and Clear Reviews The American may not hold a lot of surprises, from an artist getting a big break, to letting their workaholism and confidence undermine them, to a fall before redemption. Still, it’s worth seeking out for Ryder’s performance. Rated: 3/5 Nov 16, 2024 Full Review Jackie K. Cooper jackiekcooper.com A "Black Swan" wannabe. Rated: 5/10 Nov 4, 2024 Full Review Dave Golder Radio Times Featuring choreography by Womack herself, this is a rich visual feast with a bitter, edgy core and an excellent ensemble cast led by a fully committed [Talia] Ryder. Rated: 4/5 Sep 24, 2024 Full Review Mark Jackson Epoch Times These Bolshoi girls are beautiful on the outside and as cutthroat as gangsters inside ... I like the Chinese classical dance where spirit leads form, so that form is imbued with spirit. Hopefully ballet incorporates that philosophy again someday. Rated: 3.5/5 Jul 14, 2024 Full Review Graeme Tuckett Stuff.co.nz Dance... lends itself almost too perfectly to film – and Robertson and his crew have maybe set a new benchmark with Joika for just how excruciatingly well the physicality and the stresses of dance – ballet especially – can be put on screen. Rated: 4.5/5 May 26, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (9) audience reviews
Dash M Utterly riveting. Beautifully shot, great acting. The score was wonderful. Very unpredictable story. Myself and my partner were spellbound watching this. I read they used Poland as a double for Russia, but having been to Moscow before, it was very convincing. Top 10 film for me. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/04/24 Full Review Audience Member A powerful true story about resilience and determination set in the world of ballet in Russia. Life never turns out the way you expect it. But it doesn't mean you can't win. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/13/24 Full Review Matthias T Very powerful storytelling. Confronting at moments, but well worth watching and emotionally powerful, has stayed with me long after Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/27/24 Full Review Sharon H Loved this movie... very intense, stunning to look at, music was amazing. Gets quite dark at times. A very powerful emotional ride. Highly recommend Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/26/24 Full Review Summer M Why can’t they just hire dancers to play dancers?! We’re supposed to believe that the only American to get into the Bolshoi can’t even dance on point. They keep showing her toes bleeding, but that doesn’t happen in flat slippers. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 08/05/24 Full Review יעל ב Was good. The actress, bring the story the way it is. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/29/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis The American is based on the story of Joy Womack (Talia Ryder), one of the very few Americans ever accepted into Russia's elite Bolshoi Ballet. Testing the limits of dedication, determination, sacrifice and virtuosity, Joy's brilliance is an inspirational journey into the most competitive, hostile dance school in the world. Spurred on by Tatiyana Volkova (Diane Kruger), the Bolshoi's magnetic and masterful tutor, and the searing passions of first love, Joy's leap into the unknown touches immortal perfection. But at what price?
Director
James Napier Robertson
Producer
Paul Green, Tom Hern, Belindalee Hope, Philip Rose, Klaudia Śmieja
Screenwriter
James Napier Robertson
Distributor
Vertical
Production Co
Ingenious Media, Madants, Four Knights Film
Genre
Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 17, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
May 17, 2024
Runtime
1h 50m
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