The American

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The American

Released May 17, 2024

1h 50m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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7 Reviews

94%

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100+ Ratings

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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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

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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

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Wendy B

This is a very interesting movie and the dancing was absolutely beautiful. But her angst is absolutely constant throughout the whole movie and I was just getting tired of watching that.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/07/25

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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

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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

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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

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James Napier Robertson

Director

Talia Ryder

Joy Womack

Diane Kruger

Tatiyana Volkova

Karolina Gruszka

Valeriya Lebedev

Tomasz Kot

Vitaliy Ivanov

Ewa Rodart

Bartender

The American: Trailer 1

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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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