The Forbidden Dance

The Forbidden Dance is an evocative film from 1990, which stars Laura Harring, Jeff James, and Barbra Brighton. Directed by Greydon Clark and written by Menahem Golan, this movie weaves a captivating narrative laced with heartfelt emotion, enchanting dance sequences, and a potent social message.

As the title suggests, The Forbidden Dance predominantly revolves around dance, specifically the passionate Brazilian dance of Lambada. Laura Harring, most known for her enchanting performances, portrays the protagonist, Nisa, a young Brazilian woman of significant beauty and intoxicating passion. Nisa hails from the Amazon rainforest tribe, where she learns of the looming threat that deforestation poses to her homeland and its rich culture. Desperate to save her tribespeople and their forest, she sets out for Los Angeles, intent on making a difference.

Actor Jeff James plays Jason, a wealthy and kindhearted American who has an influential father. As fate intertwines the paths of Nisa and Jason, they are drawn together, and soon their friendship blossoms into love. Harring and James share an electric chemistry onscreen that lends a convincing romantic undertone to the narrative. Their complex relationship provides a backdrop to the central theme of the movie - dance.

In the bustling city of Los Angeles, Nisa discovers the Lambada, a sensuous dance that’s all the rage. She decides to use this platform to draw attention to the critical issue confronting her Amazonian home. With the help of Jason and their shared love for Lambada, Nisa starts on a journey to win a televised dance competition. They hope that the popularity and reach of the competition would provide them with a platform to voice their concerns about the devastation occurring in the Amazon rainforest.

Simultaneously, The Forbidden Dance also explores the sinister plot of a business tycoon who attempts to sabotage Nisa's mission through various means. The antagonist's persona and ruthlessness add a layer of tension and drama to the story, making the film more gripping.

The movie's significant highlight is its fantastic dance sequences, elegantly choreographed and performed. The Lambada, being the central dance form celebrated in the film, unfolds onscreen in a vibrant array of colors, passion, and movement. The sensual rhythms paired with the intense performances by the cast create a mesmerizing spectacle that effortlessly ropes in viewers.

Laura Harring, with her compelling performance and natural dance talents, holds the audience captive. Jeff James carries enough charm and charisma to make his character, Jason, likable and relatable. Still, it’s the collective performances of the supporting cast, including Barbra Brighton and others, that contribute to the film's overall charm and make it an engaging watch.

Additionally, the movie captures the stark contrast between the diverse cultures and lives of the urban city and the Amazon rainforest. It successfully represents the impact of industrialization on indigenous tribes and the natural environment, making the film not just a dance drama but a strong social commentary.

The Forbidden Dance, with its mixed bag of dance, romance, drama, and social message, manages to entertain as well as provoke thought. It is an intriguing endeavor to blend entertaining elements of a dance film with a compelling narrative that raises awareness about environmental issues and cultural erosion. This movie is highly recommended for anyone interested in dance movies, anyone fascinated by different cultures, or those who enjoy films infused with an underlying social message.

In conclusion, The Forbidden Dance can be described as a blend of thrilling dance sequences, an enticing romance, captivating performances, and compelling social commentary. This grand spectacle from the '90s stands as a celebration of cultural richness, love, and a heartfelt plea for environmental conservation.