Yuli is the nickname given to Carlos Acosta by his father, Pedro, who considers him the son of Ogun, an African god and a fighter. As a child Yuli avoids discipline and education, learning from the streets of an impoverished and abandoned Havana. His father, however, has other ideas, and knowing that his son has a natural talent for dance, sends him to the National Ballet School of Cuba. Despite his repeated escapes and initial poor behaviour, the boy is inevitably drawn to the world of dance, and begins to shape his legendary career from a young age, becoming the first black dancer to be cast in some of the most prestigious ballet roles, originally written for white dancers, in companies such as the Houston Ballet or the Royal Ballet in London.
The film chronicles the life of Carlos Acosta, a ballet dancer from Cuba, from his impoverished childhood and his father's determination to see him succeed, to his rise as one of the greatest ballet dancers in the world. It explores his struggles with discipline, his passion for dance, and his eventual global recognition.
Yuli received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its powerful storytelling, Carlos Acosta's captivating performance (both as himself and the younger actors portraying him), and its vibrant depiction of Cuban culture and dance. The film was commended for its emotional depth and its inspiring portrayal of overcoming adversity through art.
Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the film's inspiring narrative and the stunning performances, particularly the dance sequences. Many viewers found it a moving and uplifting story about talent, perseverance, and cultural identity.
Won the Best Film award at the San Sebastián International Film Festival (2018), and received multiple Goya Award nominations.
The film features the real Carlos Acosta in some scenes, while the younger versions of his character are played by talented young Cuban dancers, some of whom were discovered through dance schools in Cuba.
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