Tango is undoubtedly one of the most popular dance forms in the world today. Over the past few decades, we’ve witnessed its influence in films as well. There are certain movies that focus solely on this dance form. Then there are other films that have become memorable for a particular scene of tango.
This dance form has certainly enhanced the drama in television series and films that featured it. If you’re a big fan of tango, you just can’t afford to miss these films:
1. Last Tango in Paris
This 1972 film originally had the title Ultimo Tango a Parigi. An Italian-French erotic drama, this movie had Maria Schneider and Marlon Brando as the lead characters. Bernardo Bertolucci, the director, became quite famous with the popularity of this movie.
The film also had its share of controversies. In 2007, Schneider mentioned in her interview that a rape scene was not described as one. This was at the time of the film’s release.
2. Tangos, the Exile of Gardel
Released in the year 1985, this film was titled Tangos, el exilio de Gardel in Spanish. The Argentine-French film tells the tale of a troupe of Argentine expats who are in Paris. It’s all about how they plan to pay their respects to Carlos Gardel, the celebrated tango star. In this process, they put on a stunning show of tango-ballet.
3. Tango Bar
Three long-time friends meet after 10 years. It was the military takeover of the Peron government in Argentina that forced them to go separate ways. This tension-filled reunion is the highlight of this brilliant tango movie, which came out in 1987.
It is an Argentine-Puerto Rican musical drama, which aims to preserve the spirit of tango. Besides the tense reunion, this film also describes the history of tango. Directed by the Puerto Rican filmmaker, Marcos Zurinaga, this film is certainly a must-watch tango movie.
4. Scent of a Woman
How can one forget the visually-impaired Frank describing the greatness of tango in this movie? Al Pacino plays the role of Frank in this 1992 release. He talks about tango in the scene when Donna is concerned about making a mistake while dancing tango. He then tells her to just tango on if she makes a mistake.
Their tango performance in this movie won the hearts of the audience. It doesn’t come as a surprise that Al Pacino won an Academy Award for his role in the film. His performance is what made the audience love this movie.
5. The Tango Lesson
A budding filmmaker finds her passion in the dance form of tango. What ensues is an inner conflict of the male and female character of this film. This very conflict and how they deal with their emotional struggles make this film worth watching. Released in 1997, this is yet another fantastic spin-off based on a true story. The movie completely revolves around Argentine tango.
6. Tango
Set in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, this 1998 film is about a theater director. He has a troubled love life. Mostly, tango is based on themes of despair and this Argentine musical spin-off is no different. Despite all the melancholia in the film, it keeps you hooked until the end.