95% First Position

All Critics (40) | Top Critics (20) | Fresh (38) | Rotten (2)

It's an intense journey, and Kargman captures it all, down to the dancers' bloodied and bruised feet.

Yes, it is possible to create a gripping documentary about the ballet world without resorting to "Black Swan" melodramatics.

Because its subjects are so driven and so talented, "First Position," which is about ballet, is more gripping than the norm.

It's in the quick audience-reaction shots of the young dancers' exultant parents and cringing private instructors that the movie finds its most nakedly human moments.

The film shows the grueling work it takes for young dancers like Zamora to look effortless on stage, and First Position shows teachers who range from supportive to borderline abusive.

This is yet another competition doc in the unending legacy of Spellbound, but Kargman is light on her feet, and she has chosen to follow a fascinating group of kids preparing for the 2010 Youth America Grand Prix.

It's 'Spartacus' en pointe.

Inspiring documentary about hardworking young dancers.

Almost loses its sense of good taste entirely in the final act, straining to build suspense and shape heroes. The bias hangs a little ugly in an otherwise passable, somewhat enlightening effort.

The cookie cutter format Kargman uses in presenting her subjects may be unoriginal but a safe way to introduce the filmmaker to her new audience.

Child ballet dancer and former journalist Bess Kargman brings a dancer's passion and insight to her directorial debut, illuminating the addictive magic and fierce demands of a ballet dancer's life.

Really, all of the dancers' evident passion for their art is, well, spellbinding.

These kids are proud of their tights.

Kargman follows the pre-established pattern of documentaries following competitions from crosswords to spelling bees, but the format works and she's found six kids ranging in age from 9 to 16 who are truly involving.

Magically upbeat and exhilarating in spirit. Particularly noteworthy is the way director Bess Kargman manages to address a few world issues with great hopefulness.

Documentaries don't have to be technically great to be irresistible, and Bess Kargman's First Position, which follows six young ballet dancers as they prepare for an elite competition, is a case in point.

Its enjoyment is not limited to dance aficionados.

The doc twists out its six narrative threads with measured compassion and even-handedness.

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