Win Wenders, the man behind the highly praised Buena Vista Social Club, returns to the big screen with a striking and beautiful Musical about the work and style of legendary dance choreographer Pina Bausch. Using 3D as his vessel, Wenders brings to life the art of dance in a way that has never truly been seen or used before. It will probably now set the standard and prove to everyone that when used right, 3D can be a spectacular tool.
I should preface this review by saying that I had absolutely no desire to see Pina. Everyone kept asking me why wouldn’t I want to see a Wim Wender’s documentary, it’s going to be in 3D!? It’s because I didn’t care about the subject matter and I was even less interested by the fact that I thought this was going to be a ballet documentary. Obviously I stayed for the feature and the following is what I have to say about it.
Pina is not really a documentary, it is more of a full on show performed in 3D specifically for Wenders. Veteran members of the Tanztheater, where Pina reigned supreme, reenacted their roles from some of Pina’s most widely known pieces. These members briefly “talked” about Pina’s influence and the interactions they had with her for their roles in specific works. I quote “talked” because we only hear their voices, the talking heads are actually just the actors sitting there and we listen to audio they recorded at another time. It was an odd way to go about the interviews but I think this is how Wenders’ tries to avoid the documentary style. There is also only about 10 to 15 minutes of dialogue in the entire 106 minute film which also eliminates it from the documentary category.
Pina is an extremely well done tribute to the legendary choreographer. It might not excite me but I have to give it a hand for its visual style. The experimental use of 3D was probably the best I have seen since Avatar came out and is the main reason why any film lovers should see this film. It is absolutely stunning and since many of the performances use vivid colors and various earthly elements, it makes it so much easier to enjoy the medium which Wenders has chosen.
Unless you want to experience the glorious 3D, I wouldn’t recommend this movie to anybody that isn’t interested in dancing or the ballet. I know I almost fell asleep twice (but didn’t) and that’s only because I could care less about the subject matter. Call me what you want but this film is a passion piece made for those who care. There is no story, no plot, just 3D dancing with an occasional talking footnote. In the end, Pina is a visually stunning tribute to one of the world’s greatest choreographers and nothing more.
Rating: A breathtaking film for those who care but a means to fall asleep for those who don’t (7.3/10)
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