Le Bal – Der Tanzpalast

An art film for connoisseurs who can enjoy a wordless film, one also taking place in a single room where only the set decorations and actors' attire, along with their expressions, resemble the changing social atmosphere and passing decades. We can observe the 1930s and the period of the leftist coalition against the French fascists, the defeat of France and subsequent occupation, the liberation by the Americans, the arrival of rock and roll and the relaxed atmosphere of a prosperous consumer society, colonial wars, the rise of racism, and much more. The film requires more attention and demands one to have a sense for this remarkable game with the viewer's imagination. Overall impression: 90%. (30.05.2011)

I see the film as an interesting attempt and as a demonstration of how even through music and dance, it's possible to express a certain part of history, describe it, and show how the present is changing and evolving. Still, the lack of words is a bit disappointing and the film is not that nice to look at. At times you will even feel that just as a soundtrack it would be enough. (05.05.2017)