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Vengo

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Vengo reviews
64
9.2 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 17 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 8 votes
Read user comments
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Movie Info

Genre(s): Musical

Written by: Tony Gatlif
David Trueba

Directed by: Tony Gatlif

Release Date:
Theatrical: September 7, 2001
DVD: July 29, 2003

Running Time: 90 minutes, Color

Origin: France / Germany / Japan / Spain

Language(s): Spanish (with English subtitles)

Summary

RATING: Not Rated

Starring Antonio Canales, Orestes Villasan Rodriguez, Antonio Perez Dechent, Bobote, and Juan Luis Corrientes

A majestic ode to the artistry and magic of flamenco dancing, set against the compelling backdrop of two gypsy families locked in an age old struggle for power. (Cowboy Booking International)

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

90

Los Angeles Times Kevin Thomas

It is best to let this stunning film simply wash over you and trust that all will become clear enough in time. Vengo in a sense is a concert film tied together with the slenderest of plots.

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80

Village Voice J. Hoberman

Gatlif's latest celebration of gypsy soul, sets a modest sliver of narrative in a fabulous widescreen landscape and surrounds it with a permanent party.

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80

New Times (L.A.) Gregory Weinkauf

There's just no arguing with 12 centuries of flamenco, and, in this sensuous movie, no resisting it.

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80

Washington Post Michael O'Sullivan

Feels like a song you may have heard before, but one whose aching beauty makes it endlessly listenable.

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80

Chicago Reader Lisa Alspector

Elegant flamenco tragedy.

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78

Austin Chronicle Marc Savlov

There's a deep, bone-weary melancholy to the proceedings, offset by the mad parties and vicious displays of machismo.

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75

Boston Globe Loren King

Presents a darkly realistic yet seductive world, with music as the tie that binds.

75

New York Daily News Elizabeth Weitzman

Characteristically lacking in narrative -- but what it misses in traditional plot devices, it more than makes up for in passion.

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70

LA Weekly Hazel-Dawn Dumpert

On its own, the story is tepid, and less than original. What draws us in is the way in which Gatlif sets it against a rich Andalusian backdrop.

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70

Variety David Stratton

Music has always played a vital role in the films of Tony Gatlif, and in Vengo it finally threatens to take over, submerging the frail, familiar vendetta plotline.

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63

Chicago Tribune Patrick Z. McGavin

Filled with dazzling moments, Vengo never quite reaches the heights those moments promise.

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60

Film Threat Merle Bertrand

A musical feast for eyes and ears alike.

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50

San Francisco Chronicle Bob Graham

There may be no more unusual movie around than Vengo.

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40

Mr. Showbiz Kevin Maynard

All that this really amounts to is a lot of hot-headed, hairy men threatening each other -- whenever they're not dancing on table tops, that is.

40

The New York Times Dave Kehr

Seems held back by vestiges of an old-fashioned format that Mr. Gatlif has long since outgrown.

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40

TV Guide Stephen Miller

The non-professional actors do their schmaltzy best with Gatlif and co-writer David Trueba's sparse dialogue and what appears to have been Gatlif's very limited direction.

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38

New York Post Jonathan Foreman

Neither convincing nor remotely dramatic.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this movie is 9.2 (out of 10) based on 8 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Al V. gave it a 9:
Forget what everyone else is saying see, listen, feel and indulge yourselve in this passionate ear satisfying, thirlling movie. Viva el flamenco puro!!!!!!!!!!

Larysa W. gave it a 9:
You've seen simular scenarios,but never as hypnotic and passionate as in this movie told trough wanderfull music and scenery. Definitely a treat for flamenco lovers.

Jonah G. gave it a 10:
Beautiful and heart-wrenching.

D. M. gave it a 8:
Immerses the viewer in a subculture you surely won't see if you visit Sevilla's popular tourist attractions, cafes, etc. Very physical movie. The music is almost the whole point, and the music is amazing.

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