And Then We Danced Movie / Synopsis + Complete Story - Ro1 2020 🎥

And Then We Danced, directed by Levan Akin, is a captivating Georgian drama that delves into the exhilarating world of dance while exploring the complexities of love, ambition, and societal constraints.

Set against the backdrop of Georgia's National Dance Ensemble, the film follows the journey of Merab, played by the talented Levan Gelbakhiani, a determined dancer with dreams of greatness.

However, his aspirations are put to the test when he encounters Irakli, portrayed by the captivating Bachi Valishvili, a rival dancer whose natural talent threatens to overshadow Merab's own abilities.

In a conservative society that frowns upon their desires, the film takes us on a mesmerizing and emotional rollercoaster as we witness the challenges these two young men face in pursuit of their dreams and their forbidden connection.

Prepare to be swept away by the power of dance and the resilience of the human spirit in this unforgettable cinematic experience.

Synopsis

In the captivating and emotionally charged film "And Then We Danced" (2020), we are introduced to Merab, a young and dedicated Georgian dancer training at the prestigious National Georgian Ensemble.

Alongside his partner and pseudo-girlfriend Mary, and his troubled brother David, Merab's life takes an unexpected turn when a replacement dancer named Irakli arrives.

Irakli's arrival disrupts the dynamics of the ensemble, as his natural talent and rebellious attitude quickly earn him recognition. Merab, initially jealous of Irakli's abilities, finds himself drawn to him as they begin rehearsing together.

A friendly rivalry forms as they compete for a coveted spot in the main ensemble, but their bond goes beyond mere competition.

As Merab and Irakli's relationship deepens, they face the challenges of living in a conservative society that frowns upon their attraction. Meanwhile, Mary becomes suspicious of their closeness, adding another layer of tension to the story.

Merab's father, who used to be part of the dance ensemble, urges him to give up his passion, further complicating his journey.

Amidst the turmoil, Merab and Irakli succumb to their mutual attraction and share a passionate encounter. However, their happiness is short-lived as Irakli suddenly disappears, leaving Merab desperate to find him.

Alongside personal struggles and family conflicts, Merab finds solace in a newfound friendship with a young male prostitute.

As the story unfolds, Merab's determination to pursue his dreams is tested. He faces setbacks, including a fight with his brother and a career-threatening injury. But with the support of Mary and David, Merab refuses to give up.

When Irakli resurfaces, their reunion is bittersweet, as he reveals his decision to leave dancing behind for personal reasons.

Heartbroken yet determined, Merab faces the audition that could change his life. Supported by Mary, he pours his heart and soul into his performance, breaking away from tradition to showcase his unique and androgynous style.

While the director may be unimpressed, Merab's mentor, Aleko, recognizes his talent and stays to witness his powerful display.

In a final act of defiance and self-expression, Merab leaves the audition, knowing that he has given it his all. The film concludes with a poignant and emotional moment as Merab bows and departs, leaving the audience with a sense of hope and the belief that true passion can overcome any obstacle.

"And Then We Danced" is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking film that explores themes of love, identity, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity. With its compelling characters and stunning dance sequences, this Georgian drama will leave you captivated and inspired.

Chapters

Introduction
Merab and Irakli's Relationship
Challenges Faced by Merab and Irakli
Love in an Oppressive Society
The Impact of Conservative Society
Tradition and Modernity
Merab's Ambition
The Film's Controversy

Introduction

The main character in the movie "And Then We Danced" is Merab, a competitive dancer. Merab is a member of Georgia's National Dance Ensemble and is portrayed by Levan Gelbakhiani. The film follows Merab's journey as he navigates his passion for dance and his burgeoning feelings for a potential rival named Irakli.

Merab's character explores themes of identity, desire, and tradition.

The movie has been praised for its intimate portrayal of love and has garnered attention and acclaim worldwide.

Merab and Irakli's Relationship

Merab and Irakli have a complicated relationship that evolves throughout the movie. When Irakli first arrives at the National Georgian Ensemble, Merab is jealous of his talent and rankled by his smug and rebellious attitude.

However, as they begin rehearsing together early in the morning, they start to bond.

Their relationship evolves from friendship to a tentative romance told through longing glances.

They remain discreet about their relationship, but Mary, Merab's pseudo-girlfriend, becomes suspicious of their closeness.

Merab performs a dance for Irakli in his apartment, which is a significant moment in their relationship.

The two dancers' secret draw to one another is a classic case of opposites attracting.

Their relationship is painful for Mary, who considers herself Merab's intended.

The movie does not explicitly state the nature of their relationship, but it is clear that they have a strong emotional connection.

Challenges Faced by Merab and Irakli

Merab and Irakli face several challenges in the movie "And Then We Danced". Here are some of them:

Limited opportunities: Merab comes from a working-class family and faces limited opportunities in life. As a traditional Georgian dancer in the National Georgian Ensemble, he dreams of becoming a professional dancer but faces many obstacles in achieving his goal.
Internal conflict: Irakli's arrival throws Merab's priorities off balance, and he struggles with his growing feelings for Irakli. Merab must work to embody the style of traditional Georgian dance, which is stiff and hypermasculine, while stifling his growing feelings for Irakli.
Forbidden love: Merab and Irakli's relationship is a lesson in self-actualization that opens Merab's eyes to his own desires. However, they both have girlfriends, and their secret attraction to each other is a classic case of opposites attracting. In an oppressive country where gay men are unable to voice their feelings, love becomes corporeal.

Love in an Oppressive Society

Merab and Irakli, the main characters in the movie "And Then We Danced," live in a conservative society in modern-day Georgia. The film explores the challenges they face as they navigate their love and passion for dance within the confines of this society.

In Georgia, where the movie is set, homosexuality is not widely accepted, and gay men are unable to openly express their feelings.

The society depicted in the movie is oppressive for LGBTQ+ individuals, and love becomes a form of resistance.

The film portrays the struggles and longing of Merab and Irakli as they find happiness in stolen moments together.

Despite the societal constraints, they develop a tentative romance, communicated through longing glances and corporeal expressions of love.

The movie sheds light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a conservative society and the power of love and self-expression in the face of adversity.

The Impact of Conservative Society

In the movie "And Then We Danced," the conservative society in Georgia has a significant impact on the relationship between the two main characters, Merab and Irakli. Here's how the conservative society affects their relationship:

Oppression and Silence: In Georgia, gay men are unable to openly express their feelings due to societal norms and expectations. This oppressive environment forces Merab and Irakli to keep their relationship hidden and remain silent about their true feelings for each other.
Forbidden Love: The conservative society views same-sex relationships as taboo, which adds an element of forbidden love to Merab and Irakli's relationship. They must navigate the challenges and risks associated with pursuing a relationship that goes against societal norms.
Fear and Secrecy: The fear of being discovered and facing the consequences of their relationship creates a sense of secrecy and tension between Merab and Irakli. They must constantly be cautious and hide their true selves from others, including their families and colleagues.
Protest and Controversy: The movie itself, which portrays a gay love story, sparked significant protest from conservative groups in Georgia. The controversy surrounding the film reflects the deep-rooted conservative values and resistance to accepting LGBTQ+ relationships in Georgian society.

Tradition and Modernity

The central focus of the film "And Then We Danced" is a love story between two male Georgian dancers, Merab and Irakli, who find happiness in stolen moments together. The film explores the shades and cracks of their multi-pronged identity in fascinating ways, presenting a defiant challenge to homophobia in the country.

The dance of tradition and modernity is also a focus of the film.

The movie sparked controversy in Georgia because of its depiction of a gay love story.

Merab's Ambition

Merab's ambition in the movie "And Then We Danced" is to become a recognized and successful dancer at the National Georgian Ensemble. He works tirelessly to achieve his goal, but his plan is thrown off track when a new dancer, Irakli, arrives and sparks fierce competition and intense feelings.

Despite the competitiveness between the two, they develop a tentative romance told through longing glances.

The movie portrays Merab's struggles as a gay man in an oppressive country where expressing his feelings is not accepted.

The Film's Controversy

"And Then We Danced" is a 2019 Georgian drama film directed by Levan Akin. The story follows Merab, an ambitious member of Georgia's National Dance Ensemble, who meets a potential rival named Irakli, a charming rebel with natural talent.

Despite initial competitiveness, the two develop a tentative romance that is told through longing glances.

In an oppressive country where gay men are unable to voice their feelings, love becomes corporeal.

The film explores the shades and cracks of Merab's multi-pronged identity in fascinating ways.

The story is a moving exploration of coming out queer in a tradition-drenched society.

The film premiered in the Directors' Fortnight section at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where it received a fifteen-minute standing ovation.

It was one of the most favorably reviewed films out of Cannes that year.

The film has secured distribution in over 40 countries and has been embraced by Sweden, which selected the film as its Oscars submission for the International Film category.

Discussion topics

1) What are the main themes or ideas explored in "And Then We Danced"? How do these themes contribute to the overall story?

2) In what ways does the film challenge societal norms and expectations? How does it depict the struggles faced by the characters in a conservative society?

3) How did you personally relate to the experiences of Merab and Irakli? Did their journey resonate with any of your own experiences or perspectives?

4) How does the film use dance as a metaphor or symbol throughout the story? What does dance represent in the context of the film's genre, time period, or setting?

5) How does "And Then We Danced" compare to other coming-of-age or LGBTQ+ films you have seen? Are there any similarities or differences in the way it portrays its characters and their journeys?

6) How did the film impact your understanding of Georgian culture and society? Did it challenge any preconceived notions or shed light on any specific issues?

7) What are your thoughts on the performances of Levan Gelbakhiani and Bachi Valishvili as Merab and Irakli? How did their chemistry contribute to the story and the portrayal of their characters' relationship?

8) How does the film explore the themes of ambition and competition? How do these themes intersect with the characters' personal and romantic relationships?

9) What role does music play in "And Then We Danced"? How does the soundtrack enhance the storytelling and emotional impact of the film?

10) How does the film address the concept of identity, both in terms of sexual orientation and cultural identity? How do the characters navigate their own identities within the constraints of their society?

11) What are your thoughts on the ending of the film? Did it provide a satisfying resolution to the story? How did it leave you feeling?

12) How does "And Then We Danced" contribute to the broader conversation around LGBTQ+ representation in cinema? In what ways does it challenge or reinforce existing narratives?

13) How does the film explore the complexities of love and desire? How do the characters' relationships evolve throughout the story?

14) What are some of the key moments or scenes in the film that stood out to you? How did they contribute to your understanding of the characters and their journeys?

15) How does the cinematography and visual style of "And Then We Danced" enhance the storytelling? Did any specific shots or visual motifs leave a lasting impression on you?

I have imagined continuations for 'And Then We Danced'. If you are interested in knowing what will happen, check the link below or in the sidebar.

Final reflections and implications

So, you've just finished watching And Then We Danced, huh? What a journey it was! I bet your emotions are all over the place right now, just like mine were when I first saw this film. It's one of those movies that leaves you with a lot to think about, doesn't it?

Let's start with the characters, Merab and Irakli. These two young men, brought to life by the incredible performances of Levan Gelbakhiani and Bachi Valishvili, take us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Merab, with his determination and dreams of becoming a renowned dancer, and Irakli, with his raw talent that threatens to overshadow Merab's aspirations. Their relationship is complex, to say the least.

But what struck me the most about And Then We Danced is the way it tackles the challenges faced by these characters in a conservative society. Georgia, with its deep-rooted traditions and societal norms, becomes a character in itself. It's a place where expressing oneself freely, especially when it comes to sexuality, is met with resistance and judgment. The film doesn't shy away from showing the harsh reality of this environment, and it's both heartbreaking and eye-opening.

As the story unfolds, we witness Merab and Irakli's connection grow stronger, despite the obstacles they face. Their shared passion for dance becomes a form of rebellion, a way to break free from the constraints imposed upon them. It's a powerful metaphor for the human spirit's resilience and the universal language of art.

But here's the thing that really got me thinking: And Then We Danced isn't just about Merab and Irakli's love story. It's about the power of self-discovery and acceptance. It's about finding the courage to be true to oneself, even in the face of adversity. It's about the transformative power of art and how it can transcend boundaries and bring people together.

So, as you reflect on this beautiful film, ask yourself this: What does it mean to truly be yourself? How can we create a more inclusive and accepting society? And most importantly, how can we find the strength to dance, both literally and metaphorically, in a world that tries to hold us back?

And Then We Danced may have come to an end, but its impact lingers on. It's a reminder that love, in all its forms, has the power to conquer even the harshest of circumstances. It's a call to embrace our true selves and dance to the rhythm of our own hearts.

Now, go out there and dance like nobody's watching.

AND THEN WE DANCED - Official U.S. Trailer

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