Ariel: Back to Buenos Aires

Director Alison Murray is to be lauded for highlighting the horrors wrought by the brutal military dictatorship in Argentina from 1976 to 1983. Tragically, to this day, the impact of the dictatorship continues to reverberate for families. Outside of Argentina, too few know about this period in the country's past. It is important to those impacted that the story is not lost over time. The Director relates the story with sensitivity, relationships are layered and the culture of tango which provides the backdrop for much the story feels gritty and authentic. For anyone who has ever visited Buenos Aires, the film creates a sense of revisiting the city. The cinematography and musical score are beautiful.

I really enjoyed this stylish film about family and tango. Director Alison Murray and her team have crafted a moving tale about the reverberations of Argentina's dirty war of the 70's and 80's for the generations that followed.

Canadians Davie and his sister Diana are both a mess, each in their own way. On their first trip to Buenos Aires, city of their birth, the pair discovers tango culture in all its sensual glory, and, eventually, some dark and shocking family secrets.

While the human action veers into melodrama on occasion, tango is such an apt metaphor for navigating the bumps and challenges of life, and the imperative to follow your heart and just keep dancing. Scenes set in the city's milongas (e.g. La Glorieta) are some of the best in the film, with social details, distinctive music and the swirling movement of tango all lovingly captured. I was also moved by the spotlight Murray shines on the Abuelas de la Plaza de Mayo and the work they are doing to find and help the lost children of Argentina's disappeared. Family, tango - such a rich mix in the hands of this director.

Beautifully shot, compelling character story, with a backdrop of tantalizing Tango choreography.

From North America to Argentina, we follow the lives of siblings Davie and Diana, we learn how their family history come into question. Both brother and sister have their own views, wants they need to explore in Buenos Aries (Good Air), and we follow their individual journeys.

With a backdrop of Tango clubs as a source for revealing their true inner feelings, they explore their own identities and begin on an emotional rollercoaster ride. We learn of the 'disappeared' during Argentina's dictatorship of 1970-80s.

Alison Murray's direction, pulls out believable acting skills and superb detailed choreographic cinematography.

A visual/aural treat to watch/listen.

A wonderful film that pairs an intoxicating setting (and clearly the director's love of tango), with an engaging narrative that takes us on an eye-opening journey to Argentina. The actors playing the brother and sister are convincing in their complex roles, and their flaws and contradictions make them interesting to watch. The story's historical context intertwines the present and the past with a satisfying ending at its climax, and the main characters' internal (and external) resolution feels earned. Highly recommended to audiences interested in issues concerning identity, art/dance, history, politics, and romance. A viewing pleasure!

Ariel is a beautiful, moving film about family, the history of a country, and the power of dance. The film is beautifully shot and features great performances. I highly recommend it, specially being from Argentina myself.

Here are some specific things I liked about the movie:

The cinematography and camera work was stunning.

The performances by the cast were all great.

The dance scenes were incredibly well-choreographed.

Overall, I really enjoyed Ariel. It's a beautiful, moving, and well-made film. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves family dramas, dance movies, or movies about Argentina.