Dancing on the Edge

February. 04,2013      
Rating:
7.4
Trailer Synopsis Cast

A black jazz band becomes entangled in the aristocratic world of 1930s London as they seek fame and fortune.

John Goodman as  Masterson
Matthew Goode as  Stanley Mitchell
Chiwetel Ejiofor as  Louis Lester
Anthony Stewart Head as  Donaldson
Allan Corduner as  Mr. Wax
Janet Montgomery as  Sarah
Caroline Quentin as  Deirdre
Tom Hughes as  Julian
Wunmi Mosaku as  Carla
Mel Smith as  Schlesinger

Reviews

AniInterview
2013/02/04

Sorry, this movie sucks

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Baseshment
2013/02/05

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

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FirstWitch
2013/02/06

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

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Ella-May O'Brien
2013/02/07

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

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michelesofaraway
2013/02/08

Well as they often say in this drama that anything is possible...I have watched one part so far and loved every moment of it, the costumes, jewels, pomp and ceremony, snotty old stuffy people at the hotel...the Musical Express go getter editor. Watching all the characters are a joy to see unfold in this very enjoyable period story about a Jazz Band and the people that they get involved with.There is an underlying story of something strange that is going on, murky perhaps, which is keeping the suspense up. The strict civil servant working in the immigration department in the 30's and the problems with foreign people, it was all so different in this time and Dancing on the Edge really captures the moment, Thoroughly enjoyed it so far and looking forward to watching more. Please read all the reviews because everyone has an opinion and thank goodness I ignored the first review and watched it.

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dannykalifornia
2013/02/09

There are so many things to say that is wonderful about the first few episodes of Dancing on the Edge. The visuals were great, the music catchy, the characters interesting. I couldn't wait to see the next episode. There was so much intrigue and suspense.Then on the 4th episode it seems that the writers were told that this wasn't going to be an ongoing project and to wrap it up in a few episodes as possible. It was at this time that the show lost all suspense and interest. There were so many ways they could have developed this program, but just took short cuts and then wham the final episode was just the worst possible of all 6, (5 including the interview episode).They could have developed more on the lives of the two rich protagonist. They could have delved more into why Julian was the way he was. They could have told us more about Sarah and her father...or even the basic relationship between Louie and Sarah. It would have been nice to know more about Jessie, but it was not to be...she was far more tragic than her role portrayed.I could go on....but I won't. Watch it for the 1st three episode then bail. If you want all six, you will wish you had those hours lost on viewing it back.Seriously disappointing.

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petervintner
2013/02/10

Firstly, at the time of writing (16 September 2013) the information for this on the main page is incorrect. It says this film/series is not yet released. However, I've just watched all 5 episodes on DVD (2 DVDs to be precise), plus the extra almost 1 hour "interview" between Stanley and Louis. The DVD release date was March 2013.Like another reviewer I simply don't understand some of the poor ratings for this film. It was an immaculate production with an excellent cast for, I think, a cracking, well written story. It has style, suspense, humour, sensuality, good looks, great music and, as with so much of Stephen Poliakoff's work, a lot of intelligent dialogue and some fairly long scenes. But that's why I'm a fan of Poliakoff's work - it is literate, well researched and observed, and you have to pay attention. It rewards that attention many time over.I must say there were some performances that were a revelation to me. Jacqueline Bisset for a start, and the late Mel Smith. But everyone was really outstanding in the parts they played. Joanna Vanderham is astonishingly mature well beyond her years (19 or 20 years old during the production) and is destined I feel to be a great actress. One cannot comment on this production without mentioning the singers - 2 established actresses who had never sung in public, in theatre, TV or on film before. They did their own singing and were amazingly good.

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pawebster
2013/02/11

Good points: Matthew Goode was excellent in his role as Stanley. His character was original and he carried the show, in my opinion. Most of the others were all right and did what they could with the material. The story kept me watching and interested to the end.Bad points: It took place in a depopulated London (reminding me of 'Survivors' or 'Day of the Triffids') and never convinced me for a second that it was 1933. The tame music seemed very unlikely to offend anybody at that date, when much 'hotter' jazz had been available for at least a decade previously. Some of it sounded more like the swing music of the forties. Tom Hughes' character and acting was ho-hum. The hiding from the police became silly and unbelievable in the last episode.Like others, I cannot understand why the BBC think this director is something special and throw money in his direction. But it's worth seeing.

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