The White Crow

2018
R
2h 7m

IMDb RATING

6.6/10

7.1K

YOUR RATING

Rudolf Nureyev, a remarkable young dancer of 22, is a member of the world-renowned Kirov Ballet Company, traveling to Paris in 1961 for his first trip outside the Soviet Union. But KGB officers watch his every move, becoming increasingly suspicious of his behavior and his friendship with the young Parisienne Clara Saint. When they finally confront Nureyev with a shocking demand, he is forced to make a heart-breaking decision, one that may change the course of his life forever and put his family and friends in terrible danger.

Play trailer2:12

5 Videos

49 Photos

Biography Drama

The story of Rudolf Nureyev's defection to the West.The story of Rudolf Nureyev's defection to the West.The story of Rudolf Nureyev's defection to the West.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.6/10

7.1K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 1 win & 4 nominations

Trivia
Hayden Christensen, who trained extensively in ballet as a child, was first choice to star; however a persistent ankle injury prevented him from being able to perform to the standards demanded by Ralph Fiennes.

Goofs
In a scene showing a close up of Nureyev's foot performing a tendu, the shoe he is wearing is a white split sole ballet slipper, a shoe that did not exist in the 1960s. Split sole ballet technique shoes have only been on the dance scene since the mid 1990s.

Quotes
Claire Motte: You are with the company? Did you dance tonight?
Rudolf Nureyev: If I had danced, you would remember.

Connections
Featured in The White Crow: Ralph Fiennes and Oleg Ivenko in Conversation (2019)

Soundtracks
La Bayadère 3rd Shade Variation
Composed by Ludwig Minkus
Arranged by Matthias Gohl
Performed by Ilan Eshkeri and The London Metropolitan Orchestra

What a captivating and intense film

This film tells the story of a Russian ballet dancer who defected in France during the cold war.

I can't quite believe how good this film is. The story is intense and captivating, even if you don't know about Rudi or about ballet. The dances portrayed are beautiful, the leading actors are great to look at too. The airport scene is so intense that I watched it several times. I also particularly like the fact that Clara Sant helped Rudi so much, without expecting anything in return. I enjoyed every bit of this film, and I strongly recommend it.