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Reviews
Mango Tango: The Director's Cut (2022)
Mango Tango: The Director's Cut - A Quirky and Entertaining Cinematic Gem
"Mango Tango: The Director's Cut" takes audiences on a whirlwind journey through the eccentricities of life, love, and conspiracy theories. Originally released in 2009 and now reimagined with a streamlined vision, which I recently watched on tubi, this film showcases the undeniable talent of director Marianne Hettinger in her debut feature.
Having had the privilege of viewing the original film at a film festival in Munich, Germany, where it garnered an audience award, revisiting "Mango Tango" is a delightful reminder of Hettinger's storytelling prowess. And now it flows even better! Against the backdrop of New York and Germany, as well as the scenic Alps, the film weaves a tapestry of humor, romance, and intrigue.
At its core, "Mango Tango" is a testament to Hettinger's willingness to embrace unconventional narratives. Through the lens of a naive yet endearing dancer, portrayed with charm and self-deprecating humor by Hettinger herself, the film explores the quest for love and self-discovery in unexpected ways.
One of the film's standout elements is its incorporation of a conspiracy theorist character, whose warnings about government plots like Sars, Aids, Blue Nile Virus and chem trails (written in 2006!) add a layer of prophetic intrigue to the storyline. It's a bold narrative choice that adds depth and unpredictability to the plot, keeping viewers engaged from start to finish.
The ensemble cast delivers memorable performances, with talents like Michael E. Knight as a fake Shaman and Patrick Stephenson as a former boyfriend adding flair and complexity to the story. Freddy Bosche shines as the male lead, bringing compassion and bold choices to his character's journey.
One cannot overlook the film's exceptional music, composed by a talented lineup including Pablo Ziegler, the Bacon brothers, and Marianne Hettinger's own brother, Tosso Hettinger. Their contributions elevate the film's atmosphere, immersing viewers in its vibrant and eclectic world including great dance scenes with Ms. Hettinger dance partners are Jose Solano, Nick Kosovich, formerly of DWTS fame, Broadway choreographer Richard Amaro and dance legendDavid Parsons make for some great entertainment.
Despite the challenges of a non-existent budget, Hettinger and her team have crafted a visually stunning (kudos to Michele Civelli, the DP) and emotionally resonant cinematic experience. "Mango Tango: The Director's Cut" is a testament to the power of indie filmmaking to entertain, inspire, and captivate audiences.
Prince Harming (2019)
Honest and authentic storytelling
I enjoyed this film a lot! I liked the complex characterization of the protagonist Victoria: strong, gutsy, quirky, vulnerable, positive and fierce.
There's a lot of humor - some dark, some subtle, some slapstick - which makes the film flow well and frames an intense topic very well...It is so refreshing and so lovely to see a beautiful woman on screen without artifice and pretense! Inspiring and relatable at the same time.
Saint Vitus Dance (2011)
Beauty and Humanity
I got to see the short film "Saint VItus Dance' at a screening in Manhattan recently and was touched by it's beauty and humanity. Good editing and nicely directed. This is a lyrical piece with humor and enchanting dance sequences. I loved Frey Faust as "Saint Vitus", an amazing dancer with a face that reminds me of Jean Louis Barrault, the great mime and artist. It's a simple story. A dancer tries to get to a dance audition in Manhattan, the 'job of her dreams' in some Broadway show, and as the clock is ticking, she doesn't make it. But what happens then shows, how our own imagination or capacity for dreaming can make the worst disappointing moment peaceful and beautiful. Shakespeare said something about it "To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub." We're all dreamers, and "Saint Vitus Dance" is a beautiful dream in the end. I wish there were more venues where one could see films like that. I'm looking forward to Ms. Hettinger's next film.
Mango Tango (2009)
Mango Tango
I got to see MANGO TANGO at the Queens International Film Festival where it was nominated for best Screenplay and Best Director for Marianne Hettinger. As far as I know, Marianne Hettinger directed, wrote, produced and acted in this film which turns out to be a strong feature film debut. The film moved me. It's about the search of a Manhattan dancer for the ideal mate. Instead of finding him she ends up with a bunch of neurotic, crazy guys. Not till the end does she realize that her strength and love lie within her and are not 'out there'. Ms. Hettinger reminds me of a female Woody Allen, she has her own quirky humor and style and her acting is superb. There was a lot of laughter in the audience until the film turned darker and more surreal after the first half and reminded me of many lost souls in a big city who will trust any therapist or healer but themselves. I also enjoyed a cameo by Michael E. Knight of 'All My Children' as a Southern Shaman- con artist, and Patrick Stephenson as her Ex-boyfriend. Great sound track and the dance pieces were beautiful. I felt moved by this film, that was done with a lot of talent and heart and I hope that it will find a distributor because it deserves to be seen by many!