Stars: Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan, Carly Rae Jepsen
Storyline
An orphan girl dreams of becoming a ballerina and flees her rural Brittany for Paris, where she passes for someone else and accedes to the position of pupil at the Grand Opera house.
Writers: Eric Summer, Eric Summer, Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan, Carly Rae Jepsen, Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan, Carly Rae Jepsen, Maddie Ziegler, Terrence Scammell, Tamir Kapelian, Julie Khaner, Joe Sheridan, Elana Dunkelman, Shoshana Sperling, Jamie Watson, Bronwen Mantel, Mel Brooks, Nat Wolff, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Cast: Elle Fanning -
Felicie
(voice)
Dane DeHaan -
Victor
(voice)
Carly Rae Jepsen -
Odette
(voice)
Maddie Ziegler -
Camille
(voice)
Terrence Scammell -
Mérante /
Postman
(voice) (as Terence Scammel)
Tamir Kapelian -
Rudolph /
Mathurin
(voice)
Julie Khaner -
Regine
(voice)
Joe Sheridan -
Director of Opera
(voice)
Elana Dunkelman -
Dora /
Rosita
(voice) (as Elena Dunkleman)
Shoshana Sperling -
Nora
(voice) (as Soshana Sperling)
Jamie Watson -
Greasy Guard /
Janitor
(voice)
Bronwen Mantel -
Mother Superior
(voice)
Mel Brooks -
(voice)
Nat Wolff -
Victor
(voice)
Trivia:
Although their characters are supposed to be around the same age, Dane DeHaan (the voice of Victor) is actually 12 years older than Elle Fanning (the voice of Félicie). See more »
Goofs:
The Statue of Liberty is shown as being already green when it should be bronze. It didn't become green until 1900. See more »
User Review
Author:
Rating: 7/10
Being a lifelong fan of animation and ballet, 'Ballerina' seemed very
appealing to me. Plus who doesn't love an underdog/person who wants to
succeed at something they love against adversity story.
While not up there with my favourite animated films, or one of my
favourite films of 2016, 'Ballerina' is nonetheless charming with a lot
of delights. It will delight the younger crowd, but fellow ballet fans
will also be charmed and there should be enough for adults to find
value. 'Ballerina' is much more than a film for "little girls" or "just
for kids" and does a good job telling a type of story that would be
relatable to anybody.
Coming from somebody who overcame disabilities and bullying and wanted
to sing professionally and get training and experience, it took a long
time but I got there and have not looked back, 'Ballerina' clicked with
me.
Of course 'Ballerina' isn't immune to flaws. The story is very familiar
and does get predictable, while the characters are very likable but
slightly skim-surface archetypes. However, this may seem very nit-picky
and can easily be ignored by people and only problems for the toughest
of critics.
Aside from these, there were also reservations with some of the
soundtrack and one voice cast member. The music is often beautiful and
infectious, with some genuine enchantment, but could have done with
more classical music choices and less pop. A good deal of the pop tunes
are very catchy, but more Tchaikovsky would have suited the film better
and been more dynamic and a few others grate. Dane DeHaan doesn't sound
right as Victor and doesn't fit, sounding too mature for a character
clearly intended to be much younger, either he should have tried to
sound younger and more boyish or the character should have been voiced
by somebody in his late-teens.
However, the animation is very good, often excellent, especially in the
beautifully studied and meticulous background details and the intricate
and graceful choreography that synchronises with the music very well
and shows animators that have clearly done their homework. As said, the
soundtrack does mostly work, while the script makes a real attempt to
appeal to both children and adults (being a family film) and, with a
nice mix of humour, pathos and life values and never being
over-complicated or childish, it does succeed.
The story, even with the familiarity and predictability, goes at a neat
pace and as well as having a lot of charm and heart the messaging never
comes over as preachy and very much valuable. It is also easy to see
why anybody would find it inspiring and easy to relate to, as a young
adult both were very easy for me. Even though archetypal, the
characters are still likable, the title character has her flaws but it
is easy to quickly warm to her. The voice acting, DeHaan aside, is
strong, with Elle Fanning and Carly Rae Jensen bringing emotion and
spirit to their characters and Maddie Ziegler stealing the show.
In summary, a familiar film but a very charming one and one to be seen
without prejudice. 7/10 Bethany Cox
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