Documentary

Ailey (2021): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Name: Ailey
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2021-07-23
Duration: 1 h 22 min
Cast: Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison, George Faison

Ailey is a 2021 documentary directed by Jamila Wignot, starring Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison and George Faison. It runs 1 hour 22 minutes and earned $214,328 worldwide. Critics gave it 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and 77 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10.

IMDb rating: 6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
worldwide gross: $214.3K
Echo Score: 88

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Watch the trailer

Released: July 23, 2021
Runtime: 1h 22m (82 min)
Director: Jamila Wignot
Genre: Documentary
Original language: English
Studio: Elevation Pictures
After the credits: No No extra scene

The story

What Is Ailey About?

The premise of Ailey without spoilers.

This captivating documentary explores the life and career of Alvin Ailey, a pivotal figure in American dance. Through archival footage, personal letters, and interviews with collaborators and loved ones, the film reveals Ailey's profound journey as he discovered the power of dance and created groundbreaking choreography. The film offers insight into his quest for artistic truth and beauty, and how his work powerfully and elegantly portrays the Black American experience.

Ailey Themes & Keywords

· 10 tags

gay
aids
choreography
one word title
character name as title
black ballet dancer
ballet dancer
ballet
ballet dance
dancer

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Cast & crew

Ailey Cast

Alvin Ailey leads the cast, with Judith Jamison and George Faison. Directed by Jamila Wignot.

Director Jamila Wignot

Alvin Ailey as themselves
Judith Jamison as themselves
George Faison as themselves

Ratings

Ailey Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Ailey 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and 77 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 88/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (78).

88 /100

Ailey Echo Score Breakdown

Ailey presents a vibrant documentary that balances archival performance footage with insightful interviews, delivering a compelling portrait of the choreographer's artistic journey. Critics highlight the film's careful curation of visual and musical elements, while users praise its emotional resonance and historical depth. Though some desire deeper exploration of specific works, the overall impression is that the documentary succeeds in honoring Ailey's legacy and offers lasting appeal for both newcomers and admirers.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

Art & Craft 90

In terms of art and craft, the documentary excels through its elegant cinematography and meticulous editing of archival material. Reviewers note the impressionistic visual style and the seamless integration of performance clips with interview segments. The production design supports a cohesive aesthetic that underscores Ailey's influence. Overall, the technical execution reinforces the film's artistic credibility.
Character & Emotion 85

When evaluating character and emotion, the film conveys Ailey's personal complexities with nuanced interviews and reflective commentary. Critics observe a humanizing portrayal that captures both his joy and solitary struggles. The emotional resonance is reinforced by testimonies from collaborators, adding depth to his public persona. Consequently, the documentary offers a thoughtful exploration of his inner life.
Story & Flow 80

Regarding story and flow, the documentary presents a measured pacing that intertwines biographical milestones with thematic motifs. Reviewers describe the narrative as educational and engaging, though some note the impossibility of fully encapsulating a multifaceted career. The structure remains coherent, guiding viewers through Ailey's evolution without losing momentum.
Sensory Experience 88

In the sensory experience domain, the film stands out for its dynamic soundtrack and striking visual composition. Critics commend the sweeping dance sequences and the vivid archival footage that together create an immersive atmosphere. Sound design complements the performances, enhancing the overall aesthetic impact and reinforcing the documentary’s artistic tone.
Rewatch Factor 78

Assessing rewatch factor, the documentary offers lasting appeal through its timeless footage and insightful commentary. Viewers find the content inspiring and emotionally moving, suggesting repeat viewings will reveal further layers. While some desire additional detail on specific works, the film’s depth and historical richness encourage future engagements.