Pina Review- By Michael Carlisle

Title: Pina
Director: Wim Wenders
Year: 2011
Country: Germany
Language: German

Pina is my introduction to the works of German Director Wim Wenders and boy, this is one hell of an introduction. The art of dance has never looked more beautiful or majestic. The choreography in films like The Red Shoes and Black Swan, even though it is great in each, pales in comparison to this film. It makes me wish I had taken up ballet as a child, though unfortunately I likely would have not been physically able to.

Pina is essentially an ode to the late Pina Bausch, a much-loved German choreographer whose work was unlike anybody else's. Few choreographers have had more influence in the medium than her. This film explores the life and work of this artist of movement while we see her pupils perform her most notable creations where basic things like water, dirt and even gravity take on otherworldly qualities in their dancing.

Pina Bausch would have been the center and voice of the film, but unfortunately she died of cancer a few days before filming. Wenders was unsure if he should actually go on with the project, but Pina's students persuaded him to continue. The brilliance of this film is that it's a documentary unlike any other. Most documentaries explore its subject's life; where they grew up, who they met and how they became "great". Pina explores its subjects art. While there are short recollections from various people who were close to Bausch, it is noticeable in their faces that they were still grieving over her death when the film was shot, most of the film is interpretive dance. These dances are enthralling and awe inspiring. Actually seeing Pina's art unfold before your eyes is actually more affective than merely having someone telling you she is great.

I admire Wim Wenders for knowing how to use technology correctly and how to manipulate it to make a great film. Ever since James Cameron's "Avatar" gave 3D mass appeal, I have hated that new technology. It has always seemed like a cheap Gimmick to drive up ticket prices. The 3D in Pina actually adds to the quality of the film. It makes each dance a little more enchanting. The sense of depth definitely makes you feel like you are watching a live performance. Of course the film is also great in 2D, Wenders makes sensational use of his cameras and the score is very good at evoking certain emotions.

In conclusion, Pina is incredibly inspirational. It is one of the most unique documentaries (if it can be classified as a documentary) I have ever seen. One of the strengths of this film is that it encourages audience participation, it's not one of those films you can mindlessly watch. Each dance is subject to your interpretation and the interpretation is neither right nor wrong. It's a shame that most men think the art of dance is too "feminine" for them, because they will surely miss out on this life changing film. Praise it! 5/5