Ariel: Back to Buenos Aires

Finally available in Canada on AppleTV. Alison Murray, the movie director, writer and the producer, takes you to hot Buenos Aires. The story of two siblings from Toronto traveling to Buenos to visit the city which their parents are from. The family left Argentina in the 70's and never went back, never talked about it! But Didi and Dave, now in their 30's, want to know more. However there is a price for the truth. Was it worth it ? Heck , yes!!! Emotional history lesson wrapped up in so much beautiful tango music! Fun to watch when one recognizes the streets one walked and the milongas one danced at.

A film that covers two significants events in Argentine culture and history, the military government that tried to transform society through terror and extermination and Tango, a unique musical style in the world that reflects passion and suffering in its melody as well as in its staging.

Director Alison tells us a story that could have been a real one, introducing us to Davie's life and the secrets of his family circle that does not convince him and in his search for answers all he finds is a new question and with the support of his sister Diana will end up finding a new version of himself.

Undoubtedly this drama leaves us much more than a simple story. A highly recommended film with an amazing cast.

ARIEL is a unique film, combining the elements of dirty politics, family secrets and sensual dance. Great attention is paid to details, such as the clothing and attitude of the silver foxes in the tango clubs and the intimate & sometimes combative relationship between the young adult brother and sister at the centre of the story. The music, dance and architecture of Argentina are lovingly presented. As the brother and sister peel back the layers of the family mystery, the audience is riveted until the inevitable resolution. Notwithstanding the ugly historical political reality, the heart of the characters ultimately shines through.

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.

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!