PINA (Germany/France/UK) ***
Directed by Wim Wenders

PINA is a documentary dance film by acclaimed German director Wim Wenders (PARIS, TEXAS and WINGS OF DESIRE) on the late Pina Bausch and her company Tanztheatre Wuppertal.

In Wim Wender’s opening statements about his new documentary dance film, he describes Pina’s Tanztheatre dance troupe’s performance affecting him as if struck by thunder, moving him to tears through the movement of dance.

His commitment to the dance works of the late Pina is evident in his 3-D film from start to finish.  As experienced in both the rehearsals and actual performances, Pina Bausch moves her dances in ways more than extraordinary – so much so that they wish her to visit them in their dreams after her passing on.

PINA the film contains no story or narrative. But the film is abundant in movement and flow.  The contortions and abuse the dancers put their bodies through are at times difficult to witness.  Quite a few of the choreography involve the dancers performing on dangerously slippery wet stages, often falling to the hard floor or swinging their limbs wildly and hard.  This is no gentle exercise.  Pina puts her performers under mental anguish as well to let their bodies and freedom take over.  One must admire Pina for coming out with very ingenious ideas.

Wender’s film contains little voiceover and includes a few wise sayings from Pina when she was alive.  The 3-D effects work well, especially when the dancers perform on stage to great lighting effects and impressive sets.

PINA might not be a film for everybody, especially if one is not interested in dance.  But Wender’s film is as magical and mesmerizing as anything (including the music) as dance can be.  Dance is all about movement and Wenders gets his point effectively across.

PINA was also awarded the Best Documentary at both the German and European Film Awards.