Impulso
87 min. In Spanish w/English subtitles. Emilio Belmonte, dist. by KimStim, www.kimstim.com. 2018. DVD $99.95; acad. libs. public performance $345; DSL $445. DANCE
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Rocío Molina (b. 1984) is a contemporary flamenco dancer/choreographer who shakes up the traditional rules and mores of the dance form and is known for her deeply vibrant and emotional performances. This film follows her during rehearsals and performance for a series of events in Paris and around Spain. The title of the film refers to her repertoire of largely improvised or "impulsive" dances, each different from the other depending on where her body and emotions take her. Despite breaking with many of the "rules" of flamenco, she draws large and enthusiastic audiences. Besides being an unorthodox dancer, she also sometimes employs bizarre costumes and settings, adding striking visual imagery as well as amplified rock along with traditional Spanish music. It's likely impossible for a film version to compete with Molina in live performance, but director Belmonte succeeds fairly well.
VERDICT A shock and surprise to many aficionados of flamenco but an appealing inclusion to any serious dance collection, though the price might be prohibitive for many libraries.
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