Polina
World Cinema
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1h 48m
Directed by Valérie Müller & Angelin Preljocaj • Drama • With Juliette Binoche, Anastasia Shevtsova, Veronika Zhovnytska, Niels Schneider, Jer Em Ie Bel Ingard • 2017 • 108 minutes
Rigorously trained from an early age by a perfectionist instructor, Polina (played by Anastasia Shevtsova, a professional dancer who has performed with Saint Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre) is a promising classical ballet dancer. She is just about to join the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet when she discovers contemporary dance, a revelation that throws everything into question on a profound level. Diverting from her plan, she leaves all her exacting preparation behind and moves to France to work with famous choreographer Liria Elsaj (played by Academy Award®-winner Juliette Binoche who has danced with London-based dancer/choreographer Akram Khan). But once there she is quickly forced to grapple with the realization that determination and hard work don't always lead to success.
"Beautifully poetic." - The Hollywood Reporter
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