Yuli is a biographical film directed by IcÃar BollaÃn that tells the story of Carlos Acosta, one of the greatest ballet dancers of our time, who was born in poverty in Cuba and had to fight against many obstacles to become the Principal Dancer of the Royal Ballet in London. The movie is divided into three chapters that tell different moments of Carlos' life, from his childhood in Havana, where he was nicknamed "Yuli", to his rise to fame as a dancer in Cuba and his eventual move to London, where he became a star of the international ballet scene.
The first chapter of the movie is set in the 1980s and portrays Yuli as a young boy growing up in a poor neighborhood of Havana, where he gets into trouble with the law and his father tries to steer him towards boxing. However, Yuli discovers his passion for dance when he sees a group of girls practicing ballet in a nearby school, and he falls in love with it.
The second chapter of the movie takes place in the 1990s and shows Yuli as a teenager who has won a scholarship to the National Ballet School of Cuba, where he struggles to keep up with the rigorous training and the demands of the teachers. Yuli's rebellious spirit clashes with the strict rules of the school, and he gets into trouble again when he falls in love with a fellow student who is considered his superior and is already engaged to someone else.
Despite the obstacles, Yuli perseveres and becomes a star of the Cuban ballet, performing in prestigious venues around the world and receiving international recognition for his talent and charisma.
The third chapter of the movie takes place in the 2000s and shows Yuli as a mature dancer who has moved to London with his wife and children. Yuli faces new challenges as he tries to adapt to the British culture and the different style of ballet that is practiced there, and he has to deal with the prejudice and racism that he encounters as a black man in a predominantly white world.
However, Yuli's talent and resilience help him overcome these challenges and become a celebrated dancer and choreographer, admired by audiences and critics alike. The movie ends with Yuli reflecting on his life and his journey from a poor boy in Havana to a world-renowned artist, and expressing his gratitude for the people who believed in him and supported him along the way.
Yuli is a powerful and inspiring movie that tells a story of perseverance, determination, and the transformative power of art. Carlos Acosta delivers a stunning performance as himself, portraying his own life with honesty, sensitivity, and passion. The movie is also a tribute to Cuba and its rich cultural heritage, showcasing the beauty and energy of the island and its people. Overall, Yuli is a must-see movie for anyone who loves dance, music, and human stories of triumph over adversity.
