Tanghi Argentini is a short 15-minute Belgian comedy-drama film released in 2006. The movie is named after the Tango dance in Argentina, which plays a vital role in the plot. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Guido Thys, Tanghi Argentini is a story of two middle-aged lonely men, Jean and Werner, who work as clerks in the same office. They both lead dull, monotonous lives with no excitement until an unexpected incident happens that changes their lives forever.
The story takes place on Werner's 40th birthday when he is planning to take dance lessons in Tanghi Argentini after being inspired by the dance scene from a movie. He shares his plans with Jean, who unexpectedly asks to join him since his plans got canceled. Werner reluctantly agrees, and the two end up attending the class together, where they meet the dance instructor, Françoise. She is a beautiful and elegant woman in her 30s, and both Jean and Werner develop a crush on her.
Throughout the film, we see how the two men, who initially had nothing in common, start bonding over their love for the dance. They struggle to adapt and learn the tango, which they find challenging to perform in front of others. But with Françoise's help, they slowly start improving, and the three of them become close friends.
The movie beautifully captures the transformation of the two characters, Jean and Werner. We see how their personalities change from being lonely and disconnected individuals to developing a new passion for something that brings joy in their lives. They learn to enjoy each other's company and even manage to impress their colleagues with their newfound dance skills at a company party.
One of the highlights of the movie is the portrayal of the Tango dance. The dance sequences are beautifully choreographed and shot, with each step and movement conveying a different emotion. The dance successfully plays a symbolic role in the film, representing the connection and passion between the characters.
The film's overall tone is light-hearted, with a touch of drama, and it successfully manages to create a heartwarming and emotional journey of two men discovering the joy of dance, friendship, and love. It's a feel-good movie that takes you on a nostalgic ride, reminding you of the little things that can make life worth living.
The cast delivers excellent performances, especially Dirk van Dijck and Koen van Impe, who play Jean and Werner, respectively. They bring depth and nuance to their characters, portraying the loneliness and vulnerability that still linger behind their newfound confidence on the dance floor.
Conclusively, Tanghi Argentini is a sweet and charming movie that promises to leave you with a smile on your face. It's a reminder that life is full of surprises, and it's never too late to discover new passions and make new friends. So, if you're looking for a short and heartwarming movie that will lift your spirits and make you fall in love with Tango, Tanghi Argentini is the perfect choice.
Tanghi Argentini is a 2007 comedy with a runtime of 13 hours.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.
