Customer Reviews

Ballet Shoes

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

BALLET SHOES (starring Emma Watson... celebrated for her lead roles in the Harry Potter films...along with an all-star acclaimed ensemble cast) is absolutely wonderful. I personally am in love it. Targeting a very large and underserved audience which is best defined as "moms and their daughters", Ballet Shoes is a film about realizing ambitions; a film where its tag line `dreams do come true' is really the `spot on' underlying message of the film... and the storyline. I believe it is destined to be a huge success for it is a tale of inspiration indeed.

A big-budget Granada film production, originally for the BBC, Ballet Shoes is based on the literary classic penned by Noel Streatfeild that women especially are very familiar with as key reading material from their childhood. A costume drama with absolutely stunning cinematography, the film portrays 1930's London with a sense of dreamy realism. For those who recall the box office smash "You've Got Mail", the book is the one being sought after that Meg Ryan launches into a verbal expose about. Ms. Ryan was right on the money, as is this adaptation of the tale.

Ballet Shoes is the story of three orphan girls; Petrova, Posie and Pauline (Emma Watson) who are raised as sisters after being brought together by a rich, world traveler as babies. As they grow up, each girl develops a dream of their own. Pauline wants to be an actress; Petrova longs to be an aviator; Posie wishes to dance. Circumstances bring them together, and together they vow to go down in the history books. "We three Fossils vow...". This vow launches the three Fossil sisters on their voyage, a journey that they travel individually as well as together, one that can only serve to inspire any young girl who watches the film.

On a personal note, I watched this film with my 8 year old daughter and 6 year old son. While my son fought to pay attention (not surprising), my daughter was riveted throughout the film. The appearance of `Hermoine' as a teen brought her into focus early on, and then the tale itself kept her eyes and ears wide open. She's asked repeatedly to watch Ballet Shoes again, which of course she has. My son, of course, is back to watching `his thing', Spiderman, Superman and The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers...

Ballet Shoes, in a certain sense, is a long form faerie tale, and I recommend it with no reservations whatsoever as superb family viewing.

I give this five stars,because "Ballet Shoes" is one of my millions of favorite books,and i saw this film version on youtube,and thought it was excellent even though the quality wasn't all that good,but to know that it is coming on to dvd here in the states on September 2nd is very good news,and the bonus features seem excellent. I think the cast did a wonderful job as the characters,and Emma Watson shined as Pauline,and this is a very faithful wonderful adaptation of Ballet Shoes,and i recommend it to everyone,and i hope if you guys enjoy the movie that you will go read the book.

Based on the much loved Noel Streatfield novel, this is a genuine 'for all the family' film, and most definitely appealing to young girls (and their moms).

A brilliant, fun and uplifting story, intelligent script, with terrific acting all round, gorgeous camera work, lovely sets costumes and music... what more could anyone ask for !

Ballet Shoes is a fun loving film that is a MUST-SEE for the entire family. Despite the obstacles that these characters (orphans) face, they each are determined to fulfill their own destiny. Rising above adveristy this film is an inspiration to all young girls who strive to make their dreams come true.

Oh my gosh, could this movie be any cuter? I don't mean that in a sickeningly sweet way. This movie is just a good story about women trying to make it on their own after the war in London. The Fossil sisters were all foundlings of a collector of all things paleontology. They grew up in a big old grand London house alongside trilobites and T Rex until those treasures had to go to make room for the growing girls.

Petrova wants to be like Amy Johnson when she grows up. I think Amy Johnson must've been the British Amelia Earhart. Posy was found with only a pair of pink toe shoes when she was a baby, her mother having been a young ballerina who had neither resources nor time to care for her child. And the oldest is a stage natural. These three girls live a life filled with love and possibility, if not one of materialism. Still, their needs are always met and the girls receive great educations and theatre training. IN fact, everything in this movie seems to be blessed and appointed by Providence. Every time they have a need, it's magically filled by strangers literally at the door. And in the end, everyone has a happy ending.

I highly recommend the Ballet Shoes.

What a delightful adaptation of Mary Noel Streatfeild's(1895-1986)story. She was an actress and prolific writer who very much wanted to provide children with worthwhile reading. J.K. Rowling is a fan, and there's a few Potter alumni actors in this entertaining fable.

A paleontologist(Richard Griffiths, who plays Harry Potter's dunderheaded relative) first adopts Sylvia(Emilia Fox, whom I'll always remember as Georgiana Darcy in 'Pride and Prejudice' and simply love). He complains about it but moves out some dinosaur bones to make room; however, "Great Uncle Gum" repeats the process, bringing home three more orphaned, baby girls from various expeditions. Sylvia cares for them in his museum-like home while he vanishes for twelve years. Move ahead to the 1930's. Money runs thin, and the girls make a pact to excel in their endeavors and to help their beleaguered, older sister save the home. They take in some eccentric boarders and attend a dance academy as they try to discover their gifts and means.

The ensemble cast shines. If you have ever watched BBC or Masterpiece Theatre you'll recognize many of these journeyman actors such as the great Gemma Jones(Dr. Jakes). In regards to the younger actors, obviously, there's Emma Watson(Pauline) from 'Harry Potter' fame who portrays the thespian talent of the family. Her character struggles with insecurity and pride, and Emma does a fine job expanding out beyond 'Hermione'. She candidly talks up a storm about the making of the film in the extras. She's a talented and bright, young woman. Yasmin Paige(Petrova) plays the Russian girl who struggles fitting in anywhere. Can't act or dance for the life of her, she wants to fly. It's a tougher role since it lacks the flamboyancy of the others. Finally, there's Lucy Boynton(Posy) whom we loved as Margaret in 'Sense and Sensibility(2007)'. What a growing star! Her timing and delivering are impeccable. Again, she's absolutely hilarious. Apparently, all the actresses enjoyed the dancing, but poor Lucy didn't much care for the red hair.

Sandra Goldbacher directs('The Governess'); Heidi Thomas wrote the screenplay(episodes of 'Cranford' and 'Lilies'- both excellent and a favorite of ours, 'I Capture the Castle').

It amazes me how the Brits put out films like this. It doesn't feel forced or contrived. It bounces between drama, comedy, with a bit of whimsy and a dash of suspense and romance all wrapped neatly without any nasty bits or nasty people. A family film geared for school-aged girls, but with enough to interest finicky adults.

The moral of the fable: Love and family are more important than accomplishment but still- go out and be all that you dream to be. Right on!

This film is about 3 girls growing up in England in the 1930's and how they work to help support their household. I find that it is very well presented and the story line is great. I was impressed with the young girl acting in the film. They all where like watching a much older actor.

I don't think anyone would be disappointed in buying this film.

This movie isn't what I would call a "chick flick", but it is wonderful for Mothers and Daughters. This is a very sweet story of success if family and friends come together to support each other. It has some very purposeful messages, especially to young women, who allow their success in life to overcome who they really are. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and bought it the first day it came out.

Love the book. The movie is a bit weak, but sweet. Worth a watch if you're a fan of the book and Emma Watson.

This movie version of the children's classic is well-acted by a lovely cast, but lacks the charm and interest of the original (which remains worth reading). Still, suitable for family viewing, and, though the ending falls flat, moderately entertaining. A chick flick for young girls.