Ariel: Back to Buenos Aires

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.

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.

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.

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.