Top 7 Movies Every Tango Lover Should Watch
Be it in movies or series, popular culture has always acknowledged dancing to be an integral part in the world of entertainment. Tango is one of the most popular dance forms and we have seen how effectively it enhances the drama. Some movies are solely focussing on tango dancing while others are mostly remembered for a particular tango scene. If tango is your strong suit then these are the top 7 movies you should watch.
1. Our Last Tango / Un Tango Más (2015)
This film must top the list because it’s a documentary based on the life of María Nieves Rego and Juan Carlos Copes who are considered to be ‘Argentina’s most celebrated Tango couple’ so far. The film will walk you through the journey of their turbulent life and how they battled against their emotions while making Argentine tango popular globally. They met as teenagers and danced together for nearly half a century. A special joy is Alejandra Gutty's performance in this movie. A must-see. Watch it in full length.
2. Scent of a Woman (1992)
When a demure like Donna confesses of being skeptical of making a mistake while dancing tango, the visually impaired Frank (Al Pacino) playfully says: “No mistakes in the tango, darling, not like life. It’s simple. That’s what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, get all tangled up, just tango on.” Their tango performance rendered the audience spellbound. Watch the marvellous Tango scene here. No wonder Al Pacino bagged an Academy Award for his performance in this movie making it one of the most loved movies of all time.
3. The Tango Lesson (1997)
Another classic spin-off based loosely on a true story, The Tango Lesson revolves entirely around Argentine tango. The story is about an upcoming filmmaker who finds her passion in the art of tango dancing. It is great to watch the inner conflict of both the male and female character and how they cope with their emotional quagmire.
Also read: How to Dress for Tango Class
4. Last Tango in Paris (1972)
Originally titled as Ultimo Tango a Parigi, this Italian-French erotic drama is again a famous tango film. Starring Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider, the film certainly made Bernardo Bertolucci famous but also not without controversies, especially given Maria's interview in 2007 about the one scene that was at the time of release not described as a rape scene but clearly is. Read more about the story around the film in The New Yorker.
5. Tango (1998)
Tango often centers on the themes of melancholia and despair and so does this Argentine musical spin-off. Set in the backdrop Buenos Aires, the film is about a theatre director who is scarred with his unsettling love life. This Argentine musical drama certainly keeps you watching until the end.
6. Tangos, the Exile of Gardel (1985)
This classic (in Spanish: Tangos, el exilio de Gardel) is an Argentine-French film about a troupe of Argentines expats in Paris. Find out how they planned to pay homage to the celebrated tango star Carlos Gardel and put on a stunner of a tango-ballet show.
7. Tango Bar (1987)
This Argentine-Puerto Rican musical drama film is about the quest for preserving the spirit of tango. Three longtime friends meet again 10 years after Argentina's post-Peron military takeover forced them to part ways. This tense reunion is a must-watch tango movie. Directed by famous Puerto Rican filmmaker Marcos Zurinaga, this film is as much about tango history as of a tense reunion and definitely deserves a spot in your must-watch tango movies list.
Watch this space for more interesting facts on tango and tango fashion.
Looking for a tango dress to dazzle on the dance floor? Get a glimpse of a super-chic tango collection here.
