Prosecuted for homosexual activity in London, the up-and-coming choreographer John Cranko is stranded in Stuttgart, Germany in 1960. With his charming demeanor, the manic workaholic swiftly revitalizes the ballet company of this rather sleepy, sympathetic city. After a controversial replacement of the prima donna and a series of new additions, Cranko’s first production of Romeo and Juliet is a sensational success: the emotional performances of his dancers move the audience to tears. Cranko becomes the darling of the public, with a soon globally renowned ensemble, invited to perform at prestigious venues such as New York’s Metropolitan Opera and Beijing’s Tianqiao Theatre. 

Screening with English subtitles.

Driven by a quest for perfection in both art and love, Cranko grapples with destructive private setbacks, plunging into periods of profound loneliness and depression. However, as long as his devoted dancers stand by him, he sees no reason to alter his intoxicating lifestyle…

A cinematic, dance-infused tribute to the virtuoso choreographer who became a pop star on the world’s greatest ballet stages (‘Ingenious and breathtaking,’ The New York Times). Sam Riley (“Control”) delivers a profoundly moving performance, seamlessly navigating the dark depths and creative frenzy of his character.

Synopsis in het Nederlands:

Vanwege vervolging voor zijn homoseksualiteit verlaat John Cranko Londen en strandt in 1960 in Stuttgart, Zuid-Duitsland. Met zijn onconventionele aanpak blaast de choreograaf het lokale balletgezelschap nieuw leven in. Cranko wordt een publiekslieveling, een popster op ‘s werelds grootste balletpodia. Maar op zijn zoektocht naar perfectie in zowel kunst als liefde worstelt hij ook met tegenslagen, eenzaamheid en depressie. Emotionele biopic met schitterende dansscènes.