THE WHITE CROW

THE WHITE CROW

This inspiring British biopic set in 1961 is based on the true-life events which led to the defection of ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev from the USSR (Russia).

Born on a train in 1938, the film principally covers his transition from student to an incredibly successful dancer in Paris which brought on his desperate need for life in a different world. His urge for freedom made him seek political asylum for which he could have been charged with treason in the USSR. Nureyev was labelled “the white crow” indicating he was unusual, an outsider.

He stated, “I want to be free! I will never return to my country, but I may never be happy in yours!” and was constantly harassed by the press as to whether he was staying for love.

Touching on his gay tendencies the film is cleverly edited with black and white sequences, flashbacks that take audiences back to his childhood which was riddled with poverty.

The White Crow is astutely directed by Ralph Fiennes who also plays a pivotal role in the film. Audiences should be mesmerised by this stylish production which boasts exquisitely colourful ballet dancing sequences and also resonates the stringent rehearsal schedules the dancers had to adhere to.

Ukrainian dancer and first-time actor Oleg Ivenko who bears an astonishing resemblance to Nureyev delivers a memorable performance in the titular role as the man who, from the age of six when he saw his first ballet, quickly realised he was destined to be a ballet dancer. (MMo)

★★★★

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