Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Show returns after pandemic closure; language, some peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
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Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In March 2020, the COVID pandemic shut down many worlds, including the world of Cirque du Soleil, the international circus extravaganza that had been thriving since 1984. According to the film, more than 215 million people have seen one of their shows in 70 different countries. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WITHOUT A NET documents the return of "O"—the flagship, highest-grossing show—from near bankruptcy as it reopened in June 2021 in Las Vegas. After being forced to lay off 3,400 workers, Cirque management gathered the artists—dancers, swimmers, acrobats, trapeze fliers, clowns, and others—and a corps of technicians precise enough to run a NASA launch to rehearse and mount the water and aerial show (that celebrated its 25th year in 2023). We meet many artists and watch them train away the rust, wrestle with insecurities and personal problems, and find their way back to the excellence required by the rigorous, multisensory production.
Is It Any Good?
This is a straightforward look at the logistical, artistic, and personal preparations required to get the abruptly shut-down aquatic and acrobatic show back on its feet. The filmmakers spent time with the dancers, trapeze artists, and swimmers. They chose to showcase some personalities, but in a few instances lingered unproductively on the personal lives of some of the artists, distracting from the overarching drama at the heart of the movie: the rebuilding of the difficult-to-mount show and reuniting a community of artists.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the discipline it takes to be a dancer, acrobat, swimmer, or aerial artist.
How do the artists and technicians that make a Cirque show demonstrate the importance of individual excellence meshed with teamwork?
How well do the filmmakers balance personal stories of artists returning to work after 400 days off with the story of the massive undertaking of remounting the show?
Movie Details
- In theaters: January 1, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: August 1, 2024
- Director: Dawn Porter
- Inclusion Information: Female directors, Black directors
- Studio: Amazon
- Genre: Documentary
- Character Strengths: Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time: 95 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: September 12, 2024
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