AllMovie

This striking and moving documentary traces the extraordinary life of Rudolf Nureyev, the most famous male dancer that transcended fame in the dance world to become a pop culture icon of his time, and an enduring inspiration for dancers everywhere. It charts his rise from humble beginnings, to his eventual defection to the West, an event that shocked the world. We follow his career as he went from strength to strength, and come to understand his enigmatic and explosive personality through anecdotes from his dearest friends. This film contextualises not just the man but also the times in which he lived, discussing the politically charged divide between Russia and the West and the critical role that Nureyev played as a cultural and global phenomena.