John Cranko
A cinematic, dance-infused tribute to the virtuoso choreographer who became a pop star on the world's greatest ballet stages (‘Ingenious and breathtaking,' The New York Times). Sam Riley ("Control") delivers a profoundly moving performance, seamlessly navigating the dark depths and creative frenzy of his character.
Prosecuted for homosexual activity in London, the up-and-coming choreographer John Cranko is stranded in Stuttgart, Germany in 1960. With his charming demeanor, the manic workaholic swiftly revitalizes the ballet company of this rather sleepy, sympathetic city. After a controversial replacement of the prima donna and a series of new additions, Cranko's first production of Romeo and Juliet is a sensational success: the emotional performances of his dancers move the audience to tears. Cranko becomes the darling of the public, with a soon globally renowned ensemble, invited to perform at prestigious venues such as New York's Metropolitan Opera and Beijing's Tianqiao Theatre. Driven by a quest for perfection in both art and love, Cranko grapples with destructive private setbacks, plunging into periods of profound loneliness and depression. However, as long as his devoted dancers stand by him, he sees no reason to alter his intoxicating lifestyle…
- Sam Riley (CONTROL, SS-GB)
- Elisa Badenes
- Max Schimmelpfennig (DARK)
- Hanns Zischler (MUNICH, FLAME & CITRON )
- Lucas Gregorowicz (GENERATION WAR, SS-GB)
Press Quotes
EPD Film
”Riley's powerful performance carries the film."“Joachim A. Lang has achieved something extraordinary: a moving music and dance film with world-class dance scenes; a work of art based on other works of art.”
“The cinematic monument he deserves”
Spiegel Magazine
“Philipp Sichler's camera perspectives are as dynamic and compelling as the moments of destiny they capture on stage. But the film's real sensation is the cast: Sam Riley plays John Cranko with every fiber of his being.”
“Riley's furious performance is the centerpiece of the film. The dancers of the Stuttgart Ballet, who slip into the skin of their predecessors, grow beyond themselves – above all Elisa Badenes, Jason Reilly and Friedemann Vogel.”
Süddeutsche Zeitung
“This is a must-see movie, emotionally gripping, stirring, enchanting in its imagery, but never romanticized. And above all, Sam Riley is crowned with perhaps the best performance of his career”.
Programmkino.de
“Seems to be more than just a film for ballet fans / very touching, very worth seeing.”
ZDF Morgenmagazin
“Excellent”
Münchner Merkur
“Sam Riley's portrayal of Cranko is Oscar-worthy”
Kreuzer Leipzig
“The images are intoxicatingly beautiful - a masterpiece“
Hamburger Morgenpost
“A sumptuous dance film about an almost forgotten genius.”
rbb Kultur
”A tender homage to the beauty and sadness of great art.“
Kulturnews
”JOHN CRANKO is a tribute.“ ”Sam Riley plays the choreographer with incredible presence.“
BR Kino Kino / 3sat Kulturzeit
“A sensitive drama with scenes like paintings“
Emotion
