Un paso adelante

... as if your life depended on it ... or at least your health! No pun intended of course. The movie has dancing front and center ... but also life and things that happen to you that you can't control. Similar to actors, dancers may have issues with anyone telling them they can't do what they want and urge to do. What is life worth, if you can't do the one thing, you think is worth living for? That's a rhetorical question, though feel free to answer it for yourself.

The movie has quite the performances in it and it really is well made. The drama works, the storyline works - and the "twists" work. I would say that you can guess where the movie is leading and the ending will not be a big surprise. Yet the way it is built up ... the way it is life affirming overall ... well that all are points that hopefully will sway you ... and make you be entertained by this. Obstacles are there so you can overcome them ... nothing is impossible? Maybe ... maybe not. But try you must ...

I think that everybody should watch "En corps", because the plot is very interesting and touching and everyone can understand the emotions. Even if you don't care about dance, you can watch this film ! That is why I think that this plot is brilliant. "En corps" is a film full of feelings. I mean that you will laugh, you will cry, you will see talented people too, who will sing, dance or play an instrument ! This art brings you another thing. Marion Barbeau (Elise in the film) is the main character. She tries to make us feel the rebirth that she finds in contemporary dance, and I think that you understand very well that. Muriel Robin, is also a very good actress, because she makes you laugh, when it's difficult and she brings lightness, when we will cry ! She also makes us consider that you should never give up ! That's my own opinion.

"Art is Freedom." But even art can make you feel confined if it's not 'your' art. You can be good at something (art or not), but if it's not 'yours' it isn't freeing as it's supposed to be. This idea, along with people not being self-explorative (or in general), or not being able to afford exploration in this extremely competitive world and the importance of it is beautifully depicted in this movie. Tied with this, is the idea that setbacks in life can bring you unexpected opportunities. This is portrayed in interesting ways in the movie; in the title sequence, the music changes from classical to a more modern music as a glitch separates the two. Sometimes you'll come to understand that these are the opportunities you never knew you wanted, as if they were made just for you. This movie in my eyes, tries to convey these two major points. But it also has the classic theme of conventional and traditional ways being challenged by modern concepts that in comparison seem rawer and more freeing, and the inevitability of modernity outshining all. This can be seen through the relationship between Elise and her father, and the final scene with the line of ballet dancers. Being a fun and easy watch, I recommend this movie to anyone and everyone. And it might resonate with you as it did with me.

We are treated to some fine ballet at the start of this film before prospective star "Elise" (Marion Barbeau) goes over on her ankle. It's not the first time this has happened, and the prognosis from the doctors is not good. A broken bone and loads of swelling might necessitate surgery and, well, no more dancing. That news takes a bit of getting use to, but "Elise" is not one for sitting moping. She discusses things with her parents and decides that a bit of physiotherapy helping out a modern dance troupe in Brittany might be the answer. At least it will give her a break from her dizzy dad (Denis Podalydès). Her arrival is welcomed and she soon settles in, being asked to help out one of the dancers with his routine and reminding her that this more to life than dance. Extending from that scenario, there's quite a fun scene with her ponytailed physiotherapist "Yann" (François Civil) who tells her, hopefully, that she should meet someone. His crestfallen face when she says that perhaps she has is almost sad, and it worsens when she declares it might be "Mehdi" (Mehdi Baki)! Essentially, this is a film about her and her compulsions. To dance and to herself mainly, and Barbeau is on good form delivering a character that has had her future snatched from her, but who is undeterred in making a new one. It has elements of "Fame" (1980) to it - a group of otherwise unlikely friends who are drawn together by their love of dance, music - and peeling potatoes. Pio Marmaï adds value, too, as the rather whacky cook "Loïc" and all in all I think this is quite enjoyable to watch.

Very surprised by this music romance. Absolutely worth a watch! Watching it in French is even better, but if you like dancing, or music, it delivers on all of those fronts. Even got some amazing jokes in there! The actors are well balanced, the cinematography is actually very good, the story is compelling and the romance quite real and heartfelt.

My girlfriend thought the start was kind of cheesy, but i felt it was the intent of the director to present the life of the character as such. The theme of classical dancing is well explored in that way, and the way the beautiful Elise explores her young personality just gives that opinion an extra meaning.

I would recommend watching it with an open mind and a relaxed mood, it does a great job at transporting your whole being in this dancer universe!