Carmen (1983)

 

A group of flamenco dancers are rehearsing a very Spanish version of Bizet's dramatization of Prosper Merimee's novella Carmen. The choreographer Antonio falls in love with Carmen, the main dancer. Their story then turns similar to the play.

From memory: Dynamic and exciting variation on Prosper Mérimée's novel delivers some truly breathtaking choreography and a quite melodramatic subplot, introducing the mesmerizing Laura del Sol.

Halliwell**: "Enjoyable but exhausting melodrama with elements of The Red Shoes; meticulous choreography and direction are its chief assets."

Maltin***: "Choreographer/ star Gades and sensual Del Sol are superb, though dramatic impact dissipates somewhat during second half. A must for dance buffs."