User Reviews

This is the first time in over 40 years that I've discovered, by searching the IMDb database, mention of this one-of-a-kind film. I'd almost begun to believe that I was the only person in the world who reveres this film, because no one I've mentioned it to had ever heard of it, much less seen it. I saw it only once, in the late 1960s, and have never forgotten its images: surrealism brought to life in a way no other film has attempted then or since. That such a marvelous film should remain "unknown" remains itself a mystery. Perhaps if someone out there is connected in some way, any way, to Turner Classic Movies, I wish they would bring this film to their attention. TCM is the only network showing rarities from every genre of film, and "The Lovers of Teruel" would be a fine and perfect addition to their Global Imports of unforgettable "foreign" films, shown very late on Sunday nights. Wish I knew Robert Osborne personally or someone at TCM. Their loyal and dedicated audience would greatly appreciate a premier viewing of "The Lovers of Teruel."

Caught this gem at an art house in San Francisco, end of the N-Judah, in the fog-swept avenues. Which was so perfect for watching this film, about 1969. I was mesmerized, fell in love with Ludmilla Tcherina (who I already adored from The Red Shoes), and, like others here commenting, have been searching for it since I joined the internet in 1995! For a long time I, too, thought I had the title wrong (but knew I didn't).

I remember very little after all these years, except dark and beautiful and other-worldly. I so wish a theater-worthy copy would appear, so I could ask my local art film house to screen it. I will keep looking. And until I see it again to disprove my memory, I will continue to call this the greatest dance film I've ever seen.

For all those who lament it being unavailable, it is on you tu be.

This is definitely the most powerful experiences on screen that I have had in decades of film watching, and I am certain it is one of the greatest film ever made. I am saying this although almost forty years have passed since the week in which I saw it twice, in two consecutive days. Its superb use of visual (including mastery of semantically loaded colour photography), musical (including highly structured and meaningful manipulation of sound) and choreographic motifs, its multi-layered art/life embeddings, its overall truly cinematic nature, integratve and absolutely irreducible to any of its components -- all of these and much more are only part of the reasons why this is an unjustifiably forgotten milestone in film history. I am dismayed, frustrated and disappointed that it cannot be purchased in any accessible form -- video cassette or DVD. Will anyone rise to the challenge of correcting this miserable state of affairs? I have been searching for this film for decades, in vain.

This wonderful film never had a chance in this country. When it opened in one theatre in NYC, a newspaper strike that lasted several months was taking place. With no ads and no published reviews it died. I fortunately got to see the film because I happened to notice that the driving force of the film was Ludmilla Tcherina a favorite of mine since seeing her in "Tales of Hoffmann". It was put on beta video tape by Kultur, unfortunately the tape was bad as it did not use widescreen or pan & scan and much of the film was lost on the edges. This film with its wonderful music by Theodrakis deserves another

The Lovers of Teruel is the best film I have ever seen. Saw it about 15 times. It is the kind of film one can see over and over--like a great opera. Every frame is perfectly composed. The first time I saw it, 44 years ago, I sat through it twice because of the music by Mikos Theodorakis. Great acting from the entire cast. Great story--emotionally wrenching. Usually films that have surrealistic sequences in them come off as merely hokey, but in The Lovers of Teruel those sequences really do work. I am not a dance film fan, and this film was often billed as a dance film, but the dancing is wonderful and is only part of the story. Every film I have since seen I compare to this one--and nothing has yet come close. Too bad it is not out on DVD. I saw it once on VHS. Don't bother. It is a distortion and makes the film look terrible. More than highly recommended, although where can one see it these days?

Quite simply one of the most beautiful and effective fusions of different arts I have ever seen. I was at the University of Minnesota when it was programmed by the Film Society there, while its faculty adviser was Al Milgrom. The film simply flabbergasted me . Widescreen color love story with little dialogue and perhaps the finest music Mikis Theodorakis ever wrote. In his classical vein, not his Zorba mode. Simple and universal story and why it went nowhere in the USA is far beyond my power to even imagine. The dream sequence in ballet is not your standard tutu fest, and develops shockingly powerful emotions. I viewed it once and have never forgotten either it or certain images and have spent over 30 years searching, not obsessively but with reasonable regularity for its music or a copy of the film in any possible format.

this is one of the most memorable films I have ever seen, it is a dance film with all the elements of art that make a film impossible to forget. The ballerina who plays the lead, Ludmila Tcherina, is at the top of her form in her performance as both dramatic actress and dancer. The french culture, its art and its language, create a world that is breathtaking and moving, a backdrop for the most incredible story of tragic love. This film was recommended to me by my distinguished dance teacher who proclaimed it as his favorite dance film. I agree completely and only wish the film were still available in the U.S.

I first saw this film in the early seventies and have sought it out at every chance I had since then. This is one of my most favorite films of all time. It will appeal to those who have a deep appreciation of the art of western Europe from the end of the nineteenth century to the thirties. The art direction is pointedly referential to these art genres. It has a condensed power and sensibility that has conceptual roots (in the story line) in films like Children of Paradise and La Strada as well as the more recent El Amor Brujo by Carlos Saura, an equally fine dance film. There are aspects of this film that will not appeal to those who expect more dialog and a less stylized presentation than this film embraces. This film is pure art on every level and an exceptional tour-d'force collaboration between the director (Rouleau), the composer (Theodorakis, famous for Zorba the Greek)and the cinematographer (Claude Renoir, son of the director, grandson of the painter). I am waiting for an opportunity to own a clean color corrected print. The tape I saw recently was in poor condition, very contrasty and color shifting. The subtitles were often white on white, which is frustrating, but in no way diminishes the power of this fabulous film.

There is hardly anything I can add to the already effusive comments by others at this site. This film is a painting in motion. Theodorakis' music beats in one's heart and the Dali-like dream sequence is unforgettable.

I first saw this film in Chicago in 1962 and again in New York the following year. A whole group of us sat through the film twice, and became obsessed with it.

For forty years, I have tried in vain to find the music, and later the tape of this film, but to no avail. It is never shown on TV and I have not been able to find it even in a New York art house for many years.

What a pity that a gem such as this should be unavailable. All I have of it is a 45-rpm recording of two of the films songs, but not the ballet.

There was another movie made, "Honeymoon," or "Luna de miel" in 1959 starring Ludmilla Tcherina and Anthony Steel which featured the ballet in a different setting, but, alas, that is also unavailable on tape or DVD.

I would be happy to spearhead any attempts to make the original film available on DVD if I knew who to contact. I once wrote to the French Film Office, but they never answered me.

Saw this film twice at Michigan State University Film Society 1964. Have been looking for it ever since. Glad to see it listed and the rave reviews that everyone has made. I understand that the Montreal Library has a VHS copy. But one reviewer said that that copy was flawed. I will use up my required ten lines to second the hope that someone will be able to find a copy of this great film so that it can be seen by more people. It is a French film but as it is Spanish story South America might be a place to look. The story is well known in Spanish speaking areas. That is why I think South America might be hiding a copy. I would love to be able to show it to my sister who teaches dance.

Set in a startlingly bleak yet beautiful picaresque setting, this verismo tragedy is told with an affecting surrealism that left a lasting imprint in my mind. I saw it around Christmas/New Years week at the Unicorn Theater in La Jolla, California circa 1963 or '64. More than half a century later I rediscovered it on YouTube in a mediocre but still wonderful print, that to my utter torment has had the last 5 minutes (which included crucial images) lopped off! I pray to whatever Gods may be that a complete and high quality recording of this should be composed and released on DVD. My means are modest but I would pay $500 for any such.

This superb film is not only a wonderful dance film but also an art film of the best kind. Much of the art direction seems to be derived from movements in the development of modern art from the first half of the twentieth century. Though I have not seen the film in a while (only three times in all)I distinctly recall scenes reminiscent of the painter deChirico as well as perhaps the blue or mauve periods of Picasso. This film is a rare jewel.

The only other film I have seen that comes close is Carlos Sauras' El Amor Brujo.