My Rating: 3.96/4 (aka Must see)

One line summary: A top ballerina must find a new path after she suffers an injury.

The Deets: We were able to see this one during the French film festival at the MFA in Boston; every seat was taken on a Thursday night, and it was worth it. The writer/director is one of my all-time favorites: Cedric Klapisch, whose “L’auberge espagnole” (badly translated as “The Spanish Apartment”) made me fall in love with French cinema (and the actor Romain Duris). In “Rise,” we are given a gift; a beautiful, musical, funny, warm, and electric movie filled with incredible richness, strength, and rhythm, a true ode to dance – of all flavors. Klapisch casts real-life French dancer Marion Barbeau and Israeli choreographer Hofesh Schechter, which give the film its realistic vibe. And the layer of family – as universal as it gets – brings it all together. You are left with a jolt of inspiration and hope, and you’ll want to dance in the street.

Perfect for: Anyone with a heart, and especially if you love dance, and if you’re into French movies.

Where to watch: As of late July, not sure if it’s been widely released yet – hopefully soon!

Food pairing: A whole baguette with cheese should do the trick. And just wait for the poached pear scene, you’ll probably want one of them immediately.