Flamenco at 5:15 (1983)

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

Cynthia Scott's Academy Award-winning "Flamenco at 5:15" looks at a flamenco class at the National Ballet School of Canada. The instructor makes sure to help the students understand that this dance form is not simply about moving one's body around; it's practically a way of life. Susana and Antonio Robledo know their stuff, and the students get into it.I've been making an effort to see a lot of Oscar-winning shorts in the past few years. Their availability on the internet has facilitated this, but I suspect that there are countless shorts and documentaries to which we don't have access. I would like to see as many as possible. In the meantime, I recommend this one.I wonder what became of the Robledos and the students.

This is about a ballet troupe taking Flamenco lessons at 5:15 AM. This documentary purports to do anything else, and at no point is it intrusive or oblique. Nevertheless, when it is over we are left with unforgettable images of the dancers and unique insights into their souls. Highly recommended.

This documentary, which won an Oscar for Documentary Short, shows a dance class in session with the students being shown how to dance flamenco. Interspersed between shots of the students practising steps and dancing, the instructors are interviewed. It's a fascinating view of a beautiful style of dance as well as proof that some people are most fortunate to be able to do something they love for a living. The National Film Board of Canada was involved in overseeing this production and has consistently produced excellent work for more than sixty years.

Exquisite documentary gets the maximum from articulate understatement. A Canadian ballet company hones its versatility and overall dance creativity and sharpness by taking Flamenco lessons at 5:15 AM. Without ever stating the obvious, Flamenco at 5:15 expertly takes us into the heads of the different company participants as they overcome their obsession with the harsh schedule to give themselves over to the beauty and mysticism of Flamenco. This should be a must for all lovers of dance.