Birds of Paradise

Birds of Paradise is a sensational and deeply poignant drama Tango Entertainment production from 2021, directed by Sarah Adina Smith. This film distinguishes itself with an intricate choreography of high-stakes drama, skill, passion, and adolescent pitfalls in the prestigious world of an international ballet competition. Central to the plot are the two talented young leads, Diana Silvers and Kristine Froseth, whose intense and dynamic performances as competing dancers add a highly touching, and highly charged, element to the film.

American-born actress Diana Silvers portrays Kansas-native Kate, a studious and stringent ballet dancer who, in the world of performing arts scholarships, is the figurative underdog. She's given an almost once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train at a prestigious and intensely competitive Parisian ballet school, where the prize at stake is a scholarship to The American Ballet Company.

Meanwhile, Kate's counterpart, originating from Norway, Kristine Froseth, delivers a fantastic performance as Marine. Marine is a quintessential Parisian, wealthy, and naturally talented. She's been long considered a favorite amongst the establishment at the ballet academy. However, beneath the surface, she's struggling with the death of her brother and her mother's high expectations, humanizing this seemingly perfect dancer.

The presence of veteran actress Jacqueline Bisset, as the stern Madame Lamieux, injects the ballet school with an intimidating sense of authority and tradition. She represents the old guard of the ballet world while offering a counterbalance to the youthful energy and simmering intensity of the young leads.

Much of Birds of Paradise focuses on the intense and complex friendship between Kate and Marine. The pair form a fierce and fast bond, one that vacillates between vivacious friendship and competitive rivalry. Their relationship provides rich contrast that forms the heart of the film.

Kate, embodying the classic trope of an outsider, comes from a modest background and is, at first, intimidated by the grandeur and ostentatiousness of the ballet school. In stark contrast, Marine is a native of this world and comes from a wealthy background. Yet, both girls are flawed and fractured in their own ways, painting a realistic portrayal of adolescence and the pressure to achieve in a cutthroat environment.

Birds of Paradise is an exploration and deconstruction of the glamour, pressure, and intensity that thrives within elite ballet, showcasing the sacrifices that must be made in the pursuit of perfection and ambition. Sarah Adina Smith has eloquently directed the film with a keen emphasis on the intricate and beautiful yet devastatingly painful world of ballet. The exquisite, mesmeric choreography is juxtaposed with the harsh realities of the dance world, its grueling physical demands, and its psychological toll on its young practitioners.

Throughout Birds of Paradise, audiences are presented with a detailed and visually engaging look into the world of ballet, its culture, rituals, and even superstitious practices. In this closed-off world, the characters' development is skillfully unfolded, and their hopes, dreams, and fears are deeply embedded into the narrative. The movie successfully injects rawness of emotion into the spectacle of dance in a way that is both visually and thematically dynamic.

As the plot unfolds, Kate and Marine's bond deepens, unraveling a story of friendship, rivalry, envy, betrayal, and ultimately, self-discovery. The film explores themes of female friendship, identity, sexuality, mental health, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. At its heart, it is an examination of the lengths to which artists go to perfect their craft and the prices they are willing to pay.

Cinematographer, Shaheen Seth, beautifully captures the grit and grandeur of ballet in equal measure, combining sweeping wide shots of Paris’ skyline with up-close, raw portrayals of the sensational performances and brutal training sessions. The scenic design, whether it's the grandeur of the ballet school or the gritty backstage, adds depth to the overall atmosphere.

The sound score is one of the strongest assets of Birds of Paradise. It is effervescent and understated, constantly highlighting the edits, shots, and movements in the film.

To sum up, Birds of Paradise, is a striking exploration of the world of competitive ballet, friendship, and self-discovery. The punchy, profound performances by the lead actresses, paired with an impressive script and direction, helps to deliver an emotionally-charged drama about aspiration, ambition, and the depths of human connection and competition.