Giselle (TV Movie 2006)

Giselle: Directed by Ross MacGibbon. With Alina Cojocaru, David Drew, Martin Harvey, Johan Kobborg. Perhaps the most celebrated ballet of the Romantic era, Adolphe Adam’s intoxicating ballet Giselle is the dramatic story of a peasant girl whose betrayal by her aristocratic lover causes her to go mad before dying and returning as a ghost. Featuring the fabulous Alina Cojocaru in the title role and Johan Kobborg as a torn Count Albrecht, Peter Wright’s sparkling production and John Macfarlane’s pa

“Giselle is one of the finest ballets there is, and for other fans of the it this production from the Royal Ballet is a treat, everything Giselle should be. It is a visually beautiful production with lighting that is both beautiful and haunting, the sets reflect the charming rustic village life and the mysterious marshlands wonderfully and the costumes are very sumptuous. The dancing is breathtaking, intricate and very graceful yet never cold, the Corps De Ballet time their movements and show great dancing techniques and not in a long time have I seen lifts as brilliantly executed than here. The orchestral playing brings out the emotional aspects of the score superbly(one of the finest ballet scores that doesnu0026#39;t have Tchaikovskyu0026#39;s name on it) and shows so much ravishing tone. Boris Gruzin compliments these attributes and does nothing to indicate otherwise. Alina Cojacaru is one of the finest Giselles Iu0026#39;ve ever encountered, not only nailing all the dancing and dramatic demands of the role but going beyond those as well giving overall an out-worldly and very poignant performance. Johan Kobborg dances with cleanliness and precision with leaps and jumps that will leave you wondering u0026quot;how does he do those to such inhuman heights?u0026quot;. Albrechtu0026#39;s repentance came across as genuine to me as well. Marianela Nunezu0026#39;s Myrtha is suitably cold, complete with truly graceful dancing, while the Hilarion of Martin Harvey is enough to tug at the heart-strings. All in all, a lovely and haunting production. 10/10 Bethany Cox”