The Dancer Upstairs
The Dancer Upstairs
A police detective in a South American country is dedicated to hunting down a revolutionary guerilla leader.
0 1 reviewedSeptember 4, 2025
"The Dancer Upstairs", directed by John Malkovich, is set in a unnamed country but everyone who studied history/war know it's Peru, The story is inspired by the Shining Path’s insurgency. Javier Bardem shines as Agustín Rejas, a Federal Intelligence agency detective hunting a Marxist revolutionary leader before a full revolution starts. The story blends suspense with a subtle romance between Rejas and dance teacher Yolanda (Laura Morante). Malkovich’s direction pairs Peru’s beautiful landscapes Juxtaposed with scenes of extreme violence, reflecting the nation’s turmoil. It’s a compelling watch for fans of thrillers and character-driven stories. The real story of how the leader of Shining Path is captured and subtle references of Alberto Fujimori's corrupt government is well told through this movie.
It's one of my favorite movies.