And Then We Danced

This is a superb film that depicts an excerpt in the life of a young man from Tbilisi - "Merab" (Levan Gelbakhiani) who balances his work in his family restaurant with his training to be a classical dancer at a very tough school that emphasises the masculinity and traditions of ancient Georgian dance. His life is somewhat turned upside down by the antics of his wayward brother and by the appearance of "Irakli" (Bachi Valishvili) at the dance school - a man with whom he starts to explore more of his own personal identity in a culture that takes an exceptionally dim view of homosexuality. Gelbakhiani is super here; he genuinely can dance - and the emotive themes that conveys are simple and special. The use of the traditional musical accompaniment - with frequently just a drum (and a wee bit of Abba) - all adds to this gently authentic slice of the life of this aspiring and inspirational young man on his way, we hope, to better things. The last five minutes are a wonderful demonstration of his skill/perserverance and determination.