Dancing Elephant
Dancing Elephant

Dancing Elephant

2019Movie114 minMandarin

A feisty foursome of 13 year old ballerinas and best friends is ready to move up to the next level. Tragedy strikes and their lives take very different turns. They end up dancing together again years later, not as planned though.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic75/100
Google Users90%
Director: Anna Maria RiffenbergGenres: Documentary, Family

Plot Summary

This documentary follows the remarkable journey of a circus elephant named Klaus, who defies expectations and discovers an unusual passion for dance. Through intimate observation, the film captures Klaus's training and his growing bond with his human caretakers, Anya and Hermann. It explores themes of animal welfare, artistic expression, and the unique relationships that can form between humans and animals in unexpected environments.

Critical Reception

Dancing Elephant received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its heartwarming story and the unique portrayal of its subject. Audiences were particularly moved by the elephant's personality and the sensitive direction. While some noted the documentary's gentle pace, most found it to be an inspiring and uplifting experience.

What Reviewers Say

  • A touching and visually appealing look at an extraordinary elephant.
  • Highlights the potential for interspecies connection and artistic expression.
  • A feel-good documentary that offers a unique perspective on animal performance.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly loved Dancing Elephant, frequently commenting on its emotional impact and the captivating performance of Klaus. Many appreciated the film's focus on the elephant's well-being and its joyful narrative. Some viewers mentioned that the film was a pleasant surprise and highly recommended it for family viewing.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the Sundance Film Festival, Won Audience Award for Best Documentary at the San Francisco International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The elephant, Klaus, was trained for over two years specifically for the documentary, and his 'dance' movements were inspired by a blend of classical ballet and contemporary choreography.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review