Bloody And Outstanding! The American (2023) || Movie Review

Some acts appear admirable, seamless even to spectators but when a person experiences the same, their perspective changes often because it looks cool and easy on the outside but in reality, it's quite difficult. That's the short sum of a ballerina. I've often admired the way they dance and their flawless, sort of regal movements on the dance, but after watching this film, I can only applaud them.

I've had The American (2023) (also titled Joika) for months but only got around to watching it yesterday. It's all about the life of a young American ballerina who goes through much physical and emotional rigours to become a world recognised dancer.

Interestingly, it's a New Zealand-Polish film written and directed by James Napier Robertson, starring Diane Kruger, Talia Ryder and others. I've often seen Diane Kruger in Hollywood movies and assumed this one is one of them. Turns out it's a mix of Russian and American cast.

The opening scene states it's based on a true story. It reveals Joy Womack (Talia Ryder), a fifteen year old American, becoming famous on TV as a ballerina with tall dreams. She's interviewed and states that dancing is her life and she wants to get to the peak—to graduate from the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, Russia.

She's excited when she gets an invitation to Bolshoi Ballet Academy which she accepts without hesitation. She starts learning to speak Russian and travels to Moscow. On the first day of class, she arrives first and soon, other girls join her and avoid her because she's the ‘undeserving’ American. In no time, Joy realises the class sessions are tougher than she envisaged. Her instructor, Tatiyana Volkova (Diane Kruger), doesn't spare her a glance or attention, instead focusing on her favourite student, Natasha.

But Joy Womack is determined to be a part of the audition. She pleads with Tatiyana Volkova in her office and after the class audition of Esmeralda, she meets the cut which makes some girls in her class to antagonise her. Joy doesn't stop there. Her dreams are tall and they clash with Tatiyana Volkova who is no relevant in the ballet circles, amongst other obstacles. Is Joy willing to go all the way to get what she wants? Is her talent enough or must she sacrifice more to be recognised in the ballet world?

My Review And Rating

This movie turned out better than I expected. Though based on a true story, the plot is gripping in a way that resonates with many people simply because that's reality. The focus is on ambition and the hurdles a person must jump through. The real Joy Womack was the first American woman to graduate from the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow. James Napier Robertson did a brilliant job depicting this woman's story and experiences vividly.

Every scene explores how this lead character deals with the pressures of ballet dancing, the injuries and pain (there are bloody scenes), bullying from envious classmates and sacrifices she had to make when her dancing talent is considered not enough. The movie further depicts how these instructors and ballet leaders abuse the young ballerinas’ ambitions. It's unsettling and annoying. I'm sure it's harder out there in the real world but this movie says it all.

The acting of Talia Ryder is just perfect. She embodies the character of Joy Womack so vividly it feels like she's the real person. Her facial expressions, shifting between the pains, fatigue, and determination, are spot on. There are times when I flinch while watching due to the hell the ballerinas go through. The images of bloody feet and the sound of breaking bones are jarring. Standing on tiptoes is hard enough but dancing on them for hours regardless of injuries makes my skin crawl.

And Diane Kruger plays her part infuriatingly well as the abusive instructor. I've always loved her in movies but it was a bit difficult to like her in this one. Still, her performance is excellent.

The cinematography is well done. The visuals are smooth and vivid. James Napier Robertson doesn't shy away from showing us the reality of what it takes to be a ballerina. Though some scenes are dim with blinking lights, I feel they reflect the cruelty and isolation these young dancers go through to survive.

Rating this movie, I'd give it 8 stars out of 10. It's a beautifully made film that celebrates this delicate art of dancing while displaying the raw, bloody sides of what it means to aim for perfection. The actors’ performances, especially Talia Ryder, are outstanding.