Tango, Our Dance (1988)

The sensuality and stylized ritual of the tango are captured in this illuminating documentary. Director Jorge Zanada spent years researching and recording the tango's place in Argentine culture and exploring the machismo that drives the dance. Most riveting are the milongueros-the amateur dancers who preserve the pure, traditional steps. Their intimate stories about their personal experiences reveal the intensity that feed their individual tango styles. Numerous tango aficionados, including actors Robert Duvall and Juan Carlos Copes (star of Broadway's TANGO ARGENTINO), make special appearances. A passionate valentine to what Martha Graham called "the most beautiful dance of this century."

docu with real tango

Finaly a documentry with real danced Argentine tango with normal people, realy improvising on the music. Not everything I like in this video, there is a part with Ballroom tango and a choreographed dance (orgenised by an american program for latino's) that misses the point, but I like realy the end, a ballet , but it is beatifully danced in real Tango stile, that means heavy, down to the ground. October 20, 2001

Real Tango

Somewhat overwrought in its politics, but this film does put tango in its cultural context. This film shows ordinary people dancing the tango and talking about the dance they love. It contrast the real tango in Buenos Aires and the acrobatic tango you see in shows. This film is insightful and passionate and beautiful and sad, much like the tango itself. August 25, 1999

Marvelous Docu-commentary on "real" Milonga style Tango.

I was bemused by another review of this film which asserted "an inebriated Robert Duvall portrays an aging gigelo, pandering to old ladies."

Duvall's portion, a very small portion, merely relates his reasons for visiting Argentina, to learn Tango at it's cradle of inception. The interview is obviously in a hotel room, where he speaks compactly about his love and interest in Tango. He "plays" no part. He does not dance.

This video is no more than an amazing documentary and cultural commentary on the "Milonga" style of Tango; it's past, it's future and simply dazzling performances of now aging non-professional stars of Tango, who are passing the torch of this cultural heritage of Buenos Aires on to another generation. There is an inate sadness in the interviews of the older "Asfalto" Milongueros, the dancers, who see this dance form slipping into disuse, in favor of the European and American style; something that the, the old timers, cannot relate to. Backed by excellent music and stunning exhibitions by "Portenos", this film is a "keeper", to be played over and over again, for it's dance, it's music, it's form and the shear enjoyment of Tango. July 16, 1999

One of Duvall's greatest films.

As a tango instructor at an Arthur Murray studio in East Islip, New Jersey, Duvall commands the viewer's attention with his cynical, jaded, bored, and slightly inebriated portrayal. Ripping off infatuated elderly ladies who only want to be young again so they can dance with him, Duvall's conscience never begins to get the better of him. Then a new instructor is hired - a younger, more attractive Mason Williams. Watch the fireworks and fancy footwork as these two gigolos compete ruthlessly for the attentions of their elderly clientele. You must see this one! June 27, 1999

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