If you're into the arts ...then this is a fine little behind-the-scene view of what it takes to become a dancer...a surprisingly good little film.

Fascinating story about a Russian dancer who risks everything and comes into her own. There is lots of dancing in this.

Tedious. The dancer playing Polina cannot act. Has "brooding melancholy pout" 90% of the time. Happy smile 5% of the time. Overly long shots of everything - of hallways, of people walking, of people being sad. The dance sequences are interesting -- at first but there is too little dialogue linking them to make a coherent movie. The repetitive, and very long -- and repetitive -- rehearsal sequences may interest those who love modern dance.

Based on book by Vivès Bastien? An unsentimental and wonderful dance film that makes La la Land look/feel like a piece of old chewing gum. Newcomer Anastasia Shevtsova is totally believable in her career arc from Bolshoi to contemporary to improv, then becoming her own choreographer; and she speaks French! A very good cast of young actors/dancers. Juliette Binoche plays an important role as the girl's dance coach in Aix-en-Provence. Clever editing that makes the audience want to see more. Handsome cinematography.

I'll keep it short and simple for now. This was a fine little gem. It's great to follow the main character as she finds herself both personally and creatively from a young age to adulthood. We see her interact with her family, friends, instructors and mentors as she works to find her place in this world. The acting is good and the story is compelling so if you like dance and take inspiration from it then it's worth a watch. Enjoy the performances, creativity and emotion on display. Nicely done.