Ariel: Back to Buenos Aires

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.

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.

Ariel is a compelling story that needs to be told. Social justice against the backcloth of the allure of tango. Sibling relationships and the complexity of family ties. The role of multi-national corporations in the dirtier side of the government and dictatorship in Argentina. The juxtaposition of snowy cold Toronto and steamy Buenos Aires (and Montevideo, Uruguay ). The movie is captivating and engaging and the cinematography expansive. Allison has paid attention to all the details necessary to tie this story together. Very good job - a pandemic movie that defies the odds and comes out on top!

Ariel is a film about tango, family, history and awful things being hidden and uncovered. The history of the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo is really well portrayed. Great performances by the main actors, especially Raphael Grosz-Harvey and Eleonora Wexler. A beautiful score and gorgeous, arial shots of Buenos Aires. The film is skillfully and sensitively directed by Alison Murray. The complex indictment of characters and corporations for their collaboration in Argentina's military dictatorship between 1976-1983 is a huge part of this film's accomplishment. I hope this film travels far and is seen worldwide.

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!