96% First Position

All Critics (50) | Top Critics (21) | Fresh (48) | Rotten (2)

A number of the performances are plain stunning - Aran and Joan, in particular, seem born to move - and in many ways watching the movie is like watching a sporting event; there are winners and losers and favorites to cheer on.

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.

Far from the dutiful progeny of "Dance Moms," these are individuals of uncommon skill, self-knowledge, maturity and drive. They're the real deal. And so is First Position.

All of the dollars and expertise that produced this summer's blockbusters could never produce a spectacle as wondrous as 11-year-old Aran Bell dancing his heart out.

Kargman ... brings a welcome empathy to this programmatic film that follows six hopefuls as they compete in something called the Youth America Grand Prix, which we're told is the most comprehensive ballet competition in the world.

The children are almost unearthly in their agility and elegance -- until they remove their shoes, and reveal their all-too-human abrasions and injuries.

It's a wealth of material at odds with a scant running time and shallow focus.

When it's over, you won't remember so much about who won and who lost. Instead, what remains is the expression on a young dancer's face, reflected in a mirror: showing the joy of being in love with what you do.

What we experience is the overwhelming thrill of the competition and the true agony of defeat.

It could very well compete for Best Documentary at next year's Academy Awards.

For someone (like me) who has never been to a ballet, the talent of these teens and tweens is a revelation.

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.

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