The White Crow

In select theaters
April 26^th 2019

127 minutes

Russian
English
French

U.K.
France

A young man of just 22, dressed in a black beret and a dark narrow suit, is on an airplane flying from St Petersburg to Paris. It is 1961 and Rudolf Nureyev, not yet the imperious figure of legend, is a member of the world-renowned Kirov Ballet Company, traveling for the first time outside the Soviet Union. Parisian life delights Nureyev and the young dancer is eager to consume all the culture, art and music the dazzling city has to offer. But the KGB officers who watch his every move become increasingly suspicious of his behavior and his friendship with the young Parisienne Clara Saint. When they finally confront Nureyev with a shocking demand, he is forced to make a heart-breaking decision, one that may change the course of his life forever and put his family and friends in terrible danger. THE WHITE CROW is the true story of an incredible journey by a unique artist who transformed the world of ballet forever.

starring...

Oleg Ivenko

Rudolf Nureyev

Ralph Fiennes

Pushkin

Louis Hofmann

Teja Kremke

Adèle Exarchopoulos

Clara Saint

Sergei Polunin

Yuri Soloviev

Olivier Rabourdin

Alexinsky

Director

Ralph Fiennes

Writers

David Hare

Cinematographer

Mike Eley

Editor

Barney Pilling

Music

Ilan Eshkeri

Production Design

Anne Seibel

Set Decoration

Camille Bougon-Pigneul, Christelle Maisonneuve

Costume Design

Madeline Fontaine

96% on the CINEMETER

MIL

96% - Mar 17, 2019

An incredible film that attempts to help people find themselves.
Milwaukee Member

Excellent cast. Beautifully done!
Milwaukee Member

Beautiful film which takes you back to the height of the Cold War and portrays the decision of Rudolph Nureyev to defect to the West. Well acted, beautiful locations, true to the time and injects complexity to his decision.
Milwaukee Member

Loved the slow character development of all. Appreciated the parallels visually and artistically.
Milwaukee Member

Beautifully executed movie with perfect precision of music, cinematography, and the arrogance of Rudy.
Milwaukee Member

ATL

97% - Mar 24, 2019

Spectacular movie!
Atlanta Member

Loved it. A bit slow, and at times jumpy chronologically, but the story of Nureyev himself, along with the insights into his formation as an artist were superb.
Atlanta Member

An uncompromising look at an uncompromising artist. Director Ralph Fiennes showed the same benign patience with his portrayal of Nureyev that his character Pushkin showed to the Nureyev character in the film.
Atlanta Member

Time shifting was done seamlessly. I especially noticed the evocative use of lighting. Oscar-worthy screenplay. A beautiful film, exquisite and sumptuous.
Atlanta Member

First time I’ve ever seen Ralph Fiennes old, but he will always be sexy to me! Excellent direction, great acting, beautifully shot. I loved Oleg as Rudolph.
Atlanta Member

STL

97% - Mar 17, 2019

Artistically a masterpiece, celebrating life and work of Rudolf Nureyev with superb acting and directing by Ralph Fiennes,
Two movies about ballet bookend each other> Black Swan focused on the punishing aspects of ballet. White Crow showed how ballet empowered Nureyev to take flight. . .¨use of black and white and color, especially color red, very effective.

I learned so much from this movie. Always enjoyed Nureyev's unique artistry and talent and yet never knew much about him

Very high quality look at Rudolf Nureyev and the Cold War grip on ballet in the USSR.
St. Louis Member

This was an extraordinary film in that I saw the many talents of Ralph Fiennes and some excellent dancers.I enjoyed most the portrayal of the hardships, the drive and the enduring spirit of the spiritual Russian people.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I fell in loved with "The White Crow." It caught me by surprise and became a favorite of my time with the Cinema Club.

Beautiful movie!
St. Louis Member

I am not as fan of ballet but I found the story fascinating, Clara was especially intriguing.
Tour de Force; kudos to Fiennes, A wonderful film about ballet and what are often underlying characteristics -- the perfectionism, drive, determination that comprise greatness, Oleg Ivenko terrific!!

Everything I like in a film. Knowledge, beauty, sex, romance, intrigue -- damn interesting. Loved it!
St. Louis Member

98% - Mar 10, 2019

Moderator's overall observation on the comments: 67 cards, with only a handful of mixed comments and just two negative comments. Otherwise, the praise was overwhelming, with numerous superlatives such as 'phenomenal,' 'fabulous,' and 'magnificent.'
Greater New Haven Member

Beautiful, heartbreaking and riveting story. Two hours flew by. [A few others along these lines: e.g. 'Shortest two-hour film I’ve ever seen. Brilliant.' and 'Could have sat for six hours!'
Greater New Haven Member

Great film. It drew me in from the first scene and never let go. I especially liked the juxtaposition of black-and-white to color with the flashbacks. It really set the mood and tone. I could almost smell the people and sausages in the opening on the train. [Note: many positive comments on the editing/use of flashbacks.]
Greater New Haven Member

Excellent casting; sound was outstanding; camerawork artful - beautiful! Oleg Ivenko made me feel what Nureyev felt, including his private, ‘small,” moments - his wonder at Paris, his rage, his confusion, his determination, the moments experiencing great art. Powerful use of sound and silence just before the reveal of his defection.
Greater New Haven Member

Phenomenal film. To get the back story (of his defection) gave me a sense of satisfaction. So much I didn’t know. The flashbacks were cleverly used to provide details of his childhood. Acting excellent - score was excellent. Just a great film.
Greater New Haven Member

Cascades of images of blossoming were exquisitely crafted. The focus on "Au Printemps" in the first Paris sequence was well-planned. Blooming. The flower cares not for the soil, the pot, or the gardeners. It just blooms.
Greater New Haven Member

I loved the film’s insistence that art will save humanity, and in this case, Nureyev. The film does an amazing job of chronicling how all the institutions in his early life, including family, failed him but art prevailed.
Greater New Haven Member

Highly stylized, beautifully crafted story. Gorgeous depiction of adhering to, and breaking the rules. His connection to both high art (“The Raft”) and his humble roots honed discipline. Inspiring, passionate movie. I loved it. I loved the line, ‘I learned from the women.’
Greater New Haven Member

The best yet! [Others along these lines: 'This was the best of the season! I didn’t want it to end.'; 'Best of the spring season.'; 'Best movie -- loved it. Bravo. Engrossing from beginning to end.''; 'Best so far for me. Fabulous from beginning to end!!'
Greater New Haven Member

Happy to learn of the history of Nureyev’s life. Fine filmmaking. Ralph Fiennes impressive an actor-director. All the cast was superb and 100% believable. Beautiful cinematography and editing. Clear, clean storytelling.
Greater New Haven Member

Two comments from experts: 'From a former ballet dancer: just plain spectacular.' and 'A magnificent movie. Being a classical ballet instructor for many years, I taught with one of Nureyev’s colleagues. Beautiful cinematography, set design, costumes and superb acting. My favorite film.'
Greater New Haven Member

This is my first time here and I was not disappointed. This ended up being probably one of my favorite movies! The soundtrack was absolutely beautiful, and while I initially thought I would not be particularly interested in the story, I was totally captivated. Rating: 10 out of 10: love and will recommend.
Greater New Haven Member

BOS

98% - Mar 10, 2019

Riveting, wonderfully photographed film. The Dancing was fabulous, and the music was glorious
Boston Member

Spectacular account of this very special artist. Magnificent film. Oleg Ivenko’s portrayal of Nureyev was outstanding.
Boston Member

I’d like to see it again and again.
Boston Member

Beautifully crafted, deeply moving, stunning portrait. Bravo!
Boston Member

The juxtaposition among the three settings was phenomenal.
Boston Member

92% - Mar 10, 2019

Terrific depiction of Nureyav, showing his temperamental qualities as well as his greatness. He was both godlike and so very human.
Washington, DC Member

What a treat! Loved the black & white flashbacks. Brilliant!
Washington, DC Member

The was one of the best films I have seen in the Club. Pace, storyline, dance, music, acting -- BRAVO!
Washington, DC Member

Magnificent! This surely is one of the most insightful and accurate depictions of the personality of a perfectionist artist determined to live for his art. The directing and acting were spectacularly understated & effective.
Washington, DC Member

The film evoked every imaginable emotion, and was riveting.
Washington, DC Member

A subtle gem that slowly builds into a masterful movie, despite the challenges in reconciling times, flashbacks and a fairly inscrutable main character.
Washington, DC Member

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