Carmen [DVD]

This is so good. It is refreshingly brilliant.In this version, the music and singing of the Opera by Georges Bizet, is largely heard in the background, and most of the action takes place in the form of a dance rehersal, in casual contemporary dress.A dance Director and choreographer Antonio Gades, is seeking the ideal Carmen for his forthcomming production, and the arrival of a young unconventional flirtatious dancer, Laura del Sol, turns his emotions into chaos, and the rehersals follow the story of the Opera.The dancing is tremendous, and Flamenco and Flamingo Dancers and Singers and Guitarists, are featured as they are in the street festivals, at the rehersals, and at Antonio's Birthday Party.There is a comical Bull fight mimed by two of Antonio's friends at the party, where another friend tries to advise him against his emotional attachment to the girl, who is married to a man recently released from Prison.Very cleverly, scenes which appear to be in the present day reality, turn into scenes from the Opera rehersal, as a double reality with a twist.The photography is beautiful and dramatic, and the acting portrays powerful repressed passion, which occasionally erupts.If one is familiar with conventional productions of the Opera, it is difficult not fill in the gaps as it were, and view this film against a background of elaborate costumes and scenery. Maybe this is what the Spanish Director Carlos Saura wants, so that the viewer can appreciate his poetic and simpified deviation from any preconceived ideas, all the better.It is performed in Spanish, with English subtitles, and unfortunately, the only extra is the Theatrical Trailer.This Bafta award winning interpretation of Carmen, is certainly one not to overlook.

I was waiting until I had all of these Carlos Saura Flamenco Trilogy DVD's .before I played them unfortunately this item will not load. If it is possible I would like to return for a refund.

wow what an amazing movie -best version of carmen -ive seen -well acted -danced -and yes eye candy laura del sol -wonderfull music 5 stars

Carmen - irresistably sexy but promiscuous and a liar. The dancer chosen for the role turns out to be just like her. Story within a story. The setting - rehearsal rooms of a flamenco ballet company. I don't usually like flamenco, BUT director/dancer Antonio Gades was Something Else. He added classical and modern ballet to flamenco and lifted it onto an entirely new level. The whole film is stunning. Not only the knife fight in the cigar factory, every dance piece grabs the emotions by the throat. And Gades himself is at his charismatic, breathtaking best. I watched this with a group of friends who had never heard of him. When it ended... "Wow!"

Passionately, exquisitely danced and acted by the late Flamenco master Antonio Gades and his troupe. Your pulse races and your feet twitch to join the wild, stamping fire....the scene in the tobacco factory especially is the most electrifying dance episode of any I have seen. The beauty of Gades and the sensual Laura de Sol is spellbinding, and the vitality of the relationships within the troupe as compelling as the story - this is for me the definitive Carmen, although unconventional-it is theatre within theatre, unforgettable ,with its own power and magic.

Excellent product arrived safely on time.

A real Spanish carmen, in the style if not The intended at least should have been.I first saw this film about thirty five years ago. My opinion of the film has never changed.

A very effective dance drama on two levels, played out on the stage and in life making for compulsive viewing. The flamenco dancing is excellent with very good teachers coaching the dancers in the studio. This gives a good background to a better appreciation of flamenco. The acting and the filming are both excellent. I recommend this DVD to any lover of dance.