A Ballerinas Tale

A Ballerina's Tale is far from an exhaustive or even complete documentary, but George... captures the behind-the-scenes grit required of any great artist while also making it clear why this artist is more important than most.

As an examination of how idealized conceptions of the ballerina have fed racial homogeneity in the industry, A Ballerina's Tale sticks with stuff we already know.

Stay for the end credits, which include a tribute to the (sadly few) black ballerinas who came before Copeland; you suspect, watching footage of the little girls who eagerly wait after performances, that many more will follow in her graceful footsteps.

Ultimately fails to deliver the sort of inspirational uplift that should have been a given.

Warm, compelling, slightly adoring.

A worthy story gets flat-footed treatment in Nelson George's portrait of ballerina Misty Copeland.

George's ace in the hole is his subject herself. Copeland is captivating, oozing talent and charisma in equal parts.

...sometimes this film feels like the work of a publicist rather than a documentarian, but it's still worth seeing, particularly if you are interested in ballet.

George approaches his subject with a great deal of respect, which sometimes makes the film seem a little cautious. But the more time he spends with Copeland, the more I could appreciate the choice.

Engrossing dance docu introduces powerful role model.

The movie follows Copeland on stage and off during an unprecedented chapter in ballet history.

This is a good movie about a subject and a person who deserve a great movie.