Strike a Pose
Strike a Pose
| 29 June 2016 (USA)
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In 1990, seven young male dancers joined Madonna on her most controversial world tour. Their journey was captured in Truth or Dare. As a self-proclaimed 'mother' to her six gay dancers plus straight Oliver, Madonna used the film to make a stand on gay rights and freedom of expression. The dancers became paragons of pride, inspiring people all over the world to dare to be who you are. 25 years later, the dancers share their own stories about life during and after the tour. What does it really take to express yourself?

Reviews
Steinesongo

Too many fans seem to be blown away

Matcollis

This Movie Can Only Be Described With One Word.

Myron Clemons

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

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Lidia Draper

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

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northernlad

I knew about this documentary a few years ago but I never had a chance to watch it until last night! I absolutely loved it! Of course, I loved Truth or Dare when it came out back in the 90's. So how could I not love this? I guess to understand my love for this movie so much, you have to understand what Madonna was back in the early 90's. She was groundbreaking and innovating back then. It was unheard of for such a mainstream performer to practically worship the gay scene and put it in the public's face the way Madonna did...along with these dancers. As a young gay men at that time it meant so much to me to see this happening right in front of my eyes and I began my own journey, realizing, that it was okay to be gay. And I owe that to the guys in this movie. I wish could tell them what they did for me back then.One touching aspect of the film is Oliver, the only heterosexual dancer in the group who stated that he was extremely homophobic before the tour experience but he came away from that with the feeling that gay men can be his brothers too! Very nice. I'll be forever thankful to whoever thought this documentary up. It was great to see these guys again after all these years.These dancers were truthful as to what that experience meant to them but they also are clear that they have moved on with their lives.

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Charlie

Bravo! Yet another failed attempt at being relevant. Why any reputable filmmaker would choose this subject matter over something of greater social import is beyond comprehension. Nothing more than a band of has-beens that have somehow managed to ride Madonna's coattails for nearly thirty years. Their cries of being exploited echoed decades later by yet another series of false tears; a last- ditch effort to tug at the entertainer's heart strings. How embarrassing.Madonna should have just named her tour Blond; the "ambition" only resulted in a misnomer. Four months of fame and a lifetime of frivolity. A wasted opportunity to do something productive for themselves and their families. Faded photographs and tattered newspaper clippings offer a fleeting escape from reality. Most have held onto this brief moment in time without realizing that their time was up long ago. An epic failure where they enjoy each other's company in an abyss of disappointment.Claims of being family are cheapened by the multiple lawsuits filed against their "mother", yet they yearn to be nestled in her bosom again. Their hypocrisy overshadowed only by their gluttony. How deplorable – the unfounded attempts at acquiring fortune off of someone else's hard work. Nothing more than the baseless accusations of disgruntled employees who were paid as agreed while enjoying numerous perks and benefits. You danced. You got a check. End of tour. Move on.Nothing was quite as tragic as the story recounted by one dancer's mother. Cameras are ushered through what seemed to be a maze for cattle. To the right is an aptly named "junk room" where the dancer lives with his boyfriend who peers around the doorway to say 'hello'. It's as if he is hanging from a bunk bed. A couple feet later and you find yourself in a living room the size of a walk-in closet. Here is where this mother shares her grief.She describes a postcard of sorts that had the image of a home on it. She says that her son was going to buy her that home, but that the home never came. She sobs and repeats how hurt she was to the point you believe the tape is looped. The home never came, she states. Of all the dancers, this is the one whose downward spiral seems to never end. Older than fifty and living with his boyfriend in his mother's apartment? A celebrated dancer who was on tour with one of the world's foremost entertainers? Sad.And yet the media has the audacity to classify these men as inspirations. As leaders in the LGBT community. Herein lies the issue with our culture and lifestyle – a misguided respect for those who are undeserving of our recognition. Drug addicted egomaniacs that have no place among the true pillars of our landscape. By venerating these individuals, you do a disservice to younger generations. You discount the worth of what others have accomplished.Strike a Pose will certainly Strike a Chord with those of us who know what really happened.

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babzilla-05403

What a fascinating exploration of seven dancers and the time they toured with Madonna. It brought back so many memories of the era. What I loved about this documentary was these men shared a very brief, crazy time in the spotlight, but they refused to be defined by this history. They have moved on, but they do recognize the importance of this time in helping them become the men they are.It's hard to explain to people just how groundbreaking Madonna was. She was a global sensation who refused to be held to conventional ideas, gender lines and sexuality. At that time, with limited general knowledge, AIDS & HIV were thought to be a death sentence. People actually whispered the words. Coming out was a huge step, and many people lived in fear of being outed. Madonna played a huge part in instigating open discussions.The physical beauty of the dancers is undeniable - their youth, prowess to command attention and ability is breathtaking. Thirty years later, their faces are still beautiful, and their stories continue to command attention. It was like seeing old friends, hearing their struggles - and some are heartbreaking - and feeling like their determination and spirits have helped them rise above and break free from what could have been a one-dimensional story. Well done!

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richbw

Having just watched the UK premiere at Sheffield Doc fest last night I have to say that this film is an heartwarming, intense, emotional and hugely satisfying journey going all the way back to Madonna's 1990 Blond Ambition tour to the present day documenting the seven backing dancers who worked with Madonna on her extremely popular worldwide tour. Be in no doubt this film does show bits and pieces of the 1990 tour (with Madonna's permission on music rights too) this film is not about Madonna but about her loyal and extremely talented dancers and the aftermath of the tour bringing us up to the present time dealing with their deeply personal issues that each dancer has gone through. Its an emotionally heartwarming film and one not to be missed, if you get the chance to watch it then don't hesitate- just go see it with your eyes open and you'll be rewarded.

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