Warning: This review contains vague plot references which might be seen as spoilers (but no more so than in the existing trailer and publicity material).
Sam (Shiri Appleby) is a self-confessed slacker who lives in the reflected glory of her best friend Jules (Larisa Oleynik), a brilliant dancer whose ambition is to gain a place at the Julliard Academy. When Jules is diagnosed with cancer both girls are forced to re-evaluate their lives and ambitions. As Jules grows physically weaker Sam grows in self-confidence and their relationship becomes one of equals before Jules takes a courageous decision which leads to the bittersweet ending.
Set to a resounding musical soundtrack and featuring impressive dance routines this is a poignant and moving rites of passage movie. It never resorts to maudlin or melodrama and is all the more heart-wrenching for that. The two young leads give outstanding performances and are ably backed up by an excellent adult cast led by Peter Coyote and Amy Madigan.
Having already been a box office number one in Italy, this fine film deserves a theatrical release in the U.S. and the U.K. (This review refers to the Italian DVD version in English with Italian sub-titles).
Sam (Shiri Appleby) is a self-confessed slacker who lives in the reflected glory of her best friend Jules (Larisa Oleynik), a brilliant dancer whose ambition is to gain a place at the Julliard Academy. When Jules is diagnosed with cancer both girls are forced to re-evaluate their lives and ambitions. As Jules grows physically weaker Sam grows in self-confidence and their relationship becomes one of equals before Jules takes a courageous decision which leads to the bittersweet ending.
Set to a resounding musical soundtrack and featuring impressive dance routines this is a poignant and moving rites of passage movie. It never resorts to maudlin or melodrama and is all the more heart-wrenching for that. The two young leads give outstanding performances and are ably backed up by an excellent adult cast led by Peter Coyote and Amy Madigan.
Having already been a box office number one in Italy, this fine film deserves a theatrical release in the U.S. and the U.K. (This review refers to the Italian DVD version in English with Italian sub-titles).