The movie centers on Merab a blazing breakout performance from Levan Gelbakhiani , the star student at the National Georgian Ensemble, a conservative institution founded to preserve the traditional dances of the country of Georgia. Merab finally gets his chance to audition one of the male dancers has been kicked out for being gay , but despite his dedication and talent, Merab faces obstacles.
The first is a constant stream of criticism from his coach Aleko Kakha Gogidze. The slight and expressive Merab does not fit the rigidly gendered expectations for male Georgian dancers. These criticisms also have political overtones. The two rivals begin to rehearse together and their relationship quickly blossoms into friendship and then romance.
There is deep pride in national identity and national traditions, but there is deep xenophobia marked by recurrent ethnic slurs. Sexism is rampant at the academy and in the society at large, as is homophobia. Akin captures this complex material with admirable grace and subtlety. The dialogue is relaxed and natural and the pacing is confident and comfortable.
He has a great collaboration with cinematographer Lisabi Fridell; together they deftly capture the beauty and discipline of the dance sequences as well as the urban grit of the city of Tbilisi. He also provides expert guidance to the actors.
Newcomer Gelbakhiani turns in a stunning performance. He has a great natural charm and his exuberance is infectious. His dancing is precise and passionate; his sweat-soaked body documents the amazing labor and discipline behind his craft even as it radiates in the thrill of performance. His expressive face sensitively displays the joys and sorrows of first love. There is a powerful chemistry between Gelbakhiani and the rest of the cast, especially the dashing Valishvili as rival dancer Irakli.
