Filmmaker Barak Heymann's Dancing Alfonso follows a Tel Aviv senior citizen leading a dramatic life. Alfonso, the lead dancer in a flamenco class with an average age of 75, uses dance to express the alternating emotions of hope and rage of a man on the cusp of losing his wife to illness. The flamenco dance group heaves with its own drama as well, as members engage in this traditionally seductive and mysterious dance while trying to avoid developing feelings or falling into conflict with one another. After Alfonso loses his wife, he connects with fellow dancer Sima, which causes problems with both Alfonso's grown children and his classmates, who feel the situation is inappropriate…especially for someone his age. Later, when Alfonso's new relationship falls apart, he once again displays resolve, strength of character, and charisma: rather than sinking into a depression, Alfonso picks himself up, dusts himself off, and starts all over again—leaving the viewer with a sense of hope for Alfonso. Like Young @ Heart, Dancing Alfonso offers us a privileged view into the inner lives of seniors, while underscoring the durability of the human spirit. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (A. Jacobson)
Dancing Alfonso
(2007) 50 min. In Hebrew, Spanish, French & Moroccan w/English subtitles. DVD: $115: public libraries & high schools; $300: colleges & universities. Ruth Diskin Films (web: <a href="http://www.ruthfilms.com/">www.ruthfilms.com</a>). PPR. November 24, 2008
Dancing Alfonso
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: