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Cirque du Soleil - Alegria: An Enchanting Fable

Cirque du Soleil - Alegria: An Enchanting Fable

List Price: $9.99
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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Simply Beautiful
Review: As many others here have previously stated, this is not the actual performance of Alegria (which is incredible, by the way). This is a full movie, a theatrical performance based on Alegria, hence the addition "An Enchanting Fable" on the cover, that contains a few snippets of performances from the show that were modified to advance the plot of this film. That said, do not buy this expecting to see a Cirque show, it is something much more, and in no way warrants a mere "1 star" from bitter people who didn't read the case and thought it was something else.

Alegria, the Film, is exactly as advertised; "An Enchanting Fable". This is not your typical Hollyword trash, it is deep, metaphorical, beautiful, and inspiring. The story is the typical love story you would expect full of discovery, strife, tragedy, and finally redemption. What distinguishes this film is the manner in which said love story is told. This is the world of Cirque du Soleil if it were not combined to merely the stage, this is the emotional essense of the acts we see, if they were part of the actual world. The movie is told in a slightly bent reality, everything is as it should be yet twisted in that typical Cirque style to highlight the emotional themes.

This is an intelligent movie, you won't get the full effect of it if you are unable to interpret its unspoken side; the subtle, unsaid elements including imagery and implied meanings in seemingly normal speech that. On this level, it is a simply amazing film, one of the best I've had the pleasure to view.

If you watch Cirque's live performances to be wowed and dazzled by the acts this movie is not for you. However, if you watch them and enjoy the social commentaries and emotional messages buried within the live shows' themes, this is a must buy. This movie takes the emotional theme the shows, and puts them in a living breathing world with people represented by Cirque characters that could easily be you or anyone you know at a given stage of life.

This is not the live show, but something truely inspired by it that keeps the one of the meanings of that performance alive: Life does goes on, no matter what, and you must go with it.

It is simply a beautiful film.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A Wonderful Film
Review: What a magnificent movie. It is a beautiful love story and an intriguing representation of Cirque Du Soleil's message of the actual performance of Alegria. A marvelous ending that is very emotional and is so uplifting that it brings you to tears. It also makes you wish that the world could always work out the way it does in this movie. The portrayal of innocence is very prevalent. It also is a perfect representation of the sacred value of Cirque Du Soleil's Alegria. Please do not go into this movie thinking that you will see a performance of the show, it is not a realistic thing to expect because Cirque Du Soleil has informed me personally that this performance will never be videotaped. The movie is something more intrinsical than a performance although the performance is very powerful in its own right. The acting was excellent and very underrated in my opinion especially in the case of Frank Langella who always has interesting roles, this one was no exception. I loved this movie and will always cherish it. I wish Alegria (happiness) to everyone.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: cirque du soleil-alegria
Review: We purchased this dvd thinking it was one of the cirque du soleil performances. Not only were we dissapointed, shocked was more like it. We do NOT suggest watching this with children!! This film is NOT rated and definately should be! It explores a very dark side of the world. Some examples are suicide, child abuse, prostitution, and cursing to name a few. It was so bad we did not/could not watch the entire film.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Not the Cirque du Soleil show, but not bad
Review: This is a perfectly enjoyable film if you realize that while it's put out by Cirque du Soleil, it's not one of their shows. It's an adaptation of Alegria put into a fable, and is a charming movie.

The movie is told from the point of view of Momo, an older gentlmen telling a story to a group of circus performers. When he was a child, he was sold into slavery and forced to sell flowers to tourists. At night he and other children are locked up in a big warehouse, away from the sun and laughter and light.

Momo's friend is Franc, a white-faced performer, who tries to end his life one night by lying down in front of an oncoming train. Momo sees this, and lies down next to Franc, forcing him to abandon his plan and save Momo. The train comes to a halt, and all manner of circus performers climb out, including Julietta, the singer and star of Alegria, the circus performance. Franc falls instantly in love, and tries to win Julietta's heart.

As the two become close, Julietta's performance in the circus, which is run by her father, falters, and eventually she runs off to find Franc. Together the two of them manage to save the children, the circus, and the day, and find true love and happiness in each other.

It's really a sweet, enjoyable movie, and not very similar to the Cirque du Soleil performance. There are small portions with the performers, but it's a love story and a movie more than a performance. It's probably not the best it could be, but if you're looking for something with good music, an interesting cast, and a happy ending, this is a good choice.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: WARNING: THIS IS A MOVIE...hehehe
Review: Those familiar with Cirque Du Soleil's history will know that they had their beginnings in the streets. Those who know Cirque Du Soleil are also aware that they contribute a percentage of all their ticket sales to outreach programs targeting youth in difficulty, especially street kids.
In contrast, those who are only interested in the "performance" aspect of Cirque Du Soleil don't really know them, do they?

The "FEATURE FILM" Alegria is in regular rotation at home and the entire family enjoys it every time we view it. The soundtrack from the movie is also in regular rotation in our CD players.

It is a love story, a social statement, a glimpse into reality through the medium of fantasy, and a movie for the young at heart and those who still have an imagination and passion for living. Those who understand these feelings will be drawn into this movie from the very beginning.

"If you have no voice...Scream
If you have no legs...Run
If you have no hope...Invent"
-Alegria

To those who bought the movie, brought it home, and were disappointed because it is not a "performance", I have only one piece of advice...
If you have no eyes...Read. ;-)

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: forget movie,but has impressive extras
Review: I only paid 8 bucks for this dvd,so i didn't ask much.The movie really [inhales],but the extended performance footage of "Hoops" and especially "Cube Act" were knockouts.They save this dvd from being a library donation.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Not the Cirque du Soleil show, but not bad
Review: This is a perfectly enjoyable film if you realize that while it's put out by Cirque du Soleil, it's not one of their shows. It's an adaptation of Alegria put into a fable, and is a charming movie.

The movie is told from the point of view of Momo, an older gentlmen telling a story to a group of circus performers. When he was a child, he was sold into slavery and forced to sell flowers to tourists. At night he and other children are locked up in a big warehouse, away from the sun and laughter and light.

Momo's friend is Franc, a white-faced performer, who tries to end his life one night by lying down in front of an oncoming train. Momo sees this, and lies down next to Franc, forcing him to abandon his plan and save Momo. The train comes to a halt, and all manner of circus performers climb out, including Julietta, the singer and star of Alegria, the circus performance. Franc falls instantly in love, and tries to win Julietta's heart.

As the two become close, Julietta's performance in the circus, which is run by her father, falters, and eventually she runs off to find Franc. Together the two of them manage to save the children, the circus, and the day, and find true love and happiness in each other.

It's really a sweet, enjoyable movie, and not very similar to the Cirque du Soleil performance. There are small portions with the performers, but it's a love story and a movie more than a performance. It's probably not the best it could be, but if you're looking for something with good music, an interesting cast, and a happy ending, this is a good choice.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Alegria
Review: If you buy this expecting to see Cirque (as I did), you will be disappointed (as I was). Not bad in an emotion drenched, artsy-smartsy manner, but the Cirque over-the top presentation doesn't play well in a dramatic performance. If you display pictures of big-eyed children in your living room, you'll probably enjoy this. No edge, small plot, no suspense.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Not the live performance I was expecting, BETTER
Review: I rented this dvd thinking it was the live show. It is a movie version that tells the story of the live show. I really enjoyed watching the movie. It was well done and had a lot of emotion in it. If you enjoy cirque, you should enjoy this. I highly recomend this great work.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Terrible - Not Cirque du Soleil
Review: Do not buy this DVD - it is terrible. I got it because I took my 2 year old to see La Nouba where he fell in love with the performance. I bought him the video of "The Making of La Nouba" and it is all he wants to watch.

This is not a Cirque Du Soleil show, but a movie about a clown and a singer who fall in love. I was SHOCKED to hear several curse words - could not even find a rating on the DVD. You get maybe a few minutes where the real Cirque Du Soleil performers are in the background. The movie was SO bad that I could not even make myself watch until the end!


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