Yuli (2018): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Yuli is a 2018 drama directed by Icíar Bollaín, starring Carlos Acosta as Carlos Acosta (Actual), Santiago Alfonso and Carlos Enrique Almirante. It runs 1 hour 55 minutes and earned $2.1 million worldwide. Its Echo Score is 75/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 55m (115 min)
- Director
- Icíar Bollaín
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
Spanish - Studio
- Morena Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Yuli About?
The premise of Yuli without spoilers.
Carlos Acosta, nicknamed Yuli by his father, grows up in Havana, initially rebelling against authority and finding solace on the streets. Recognizing his son's extraordinary talent, Pedro encourages him to attend the National Ballet School of Cuba. Despite early resistance and behavioral issues, Yuli is drawn to the discipline and artistry of dance, beginning a journey that leads him to become a groundbreaking performer. He achieves international recognition as the first Black dancer to secure leading roles in renowned companies like the Houston Ballet and the Royal Ballet in London.
Yuli Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- cuba
- dancing
- title directed by female
- f rated
- one word title
- based on real person
- based on autobiography
- title appears in writing
- flashback
- past and present
- little boy
- father son relationship
+38 more Show fewer
- dance school
- ballet school
- photograph
- emigration
- rain
- dancing in the rain
- watching tv
- long take
- london england
- actor playing himself
- ballet dancer
- talent
- break dance
- family relationships
- afro cuban
- santeria
- racism
- oral tradition
- slavery
- cuban national ballet school
- cuban national ballet
- autofiction
- abandoned building
- reference to fidel castro
- reference to vittorio garatti
- isolation of cuba
- father in prison
- spanking a child
- boarding school
- loneliness
- ballet rehearsal
- choreographer
- prix de lausanne
- teacher
- reference to andres williams dihigo
- english national ballet
- injury
- special period in cuba
Yuli Cast & Characters
Carlos Acosta leads the cast as Carlos Acosta (Actual), with Santiago Alfonso as Pedro and Carlos Enrique Almirante as Enrique. Directed by Icíar Bollaín; 11 actors are credited in all.
- Director Icíar Bollaín
- Carlos Acosta as Carlos Acosta (Actual)
- Santiago Alfonso as Pedro
- Carlos Enrique Almirante as Enrique
- Laura de la Uz as Maestra Chery
Also Starring in Yuli
· 7 more- Héctor Noas Guía
- Tamara Rojo Julieta
- Andrea Doimeadios Berta
- Yerlín Pérez López María
- Alexandra Prokhorova Amiga Inglesa
- Edison Manuel Olbera Carlos Acosta (1983)
- Keyvin Martínez Carlos Acosta (Joven)
More from Icíar Bollaín
More films directed by Icíar Bollaín, best-rated first: Take My Eyes, I Am Nevenka, Maixabel and Rosa’s Wedding.
Yuli Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in sensory experience (85) and weakest in story & flow (65).
Yuli Echo Score Breakdown
Yuli delivers a compelling portrait of a dancer’s life through a vivid blend of choreography and documentary material, marking its chief strength. Critics consistently applaud the striking dance sequences, mixed‑media visuals, and emotive resonance, while users echo the spectacular cinematography and powerful performances. However, several reviewers cite a fragmented narrative and excessive runtime that dilute momentum. The consensus therefore points to a film that excels in artistic presentation but falters in storytelling cohesion, resulting in a solid yet imperfect viewing experience.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 80
In terms of art and craft, Yuli showcases striking cinematography and meticulously choreographed dance set pieces that elevate its visual impact. Critics highlight the modern dance sequences, mixed‑media vitality, and occasional flash of brilliance, while users praise the gorgeous Havana shots and outstanding camera work. Though not revolutionary and occasionally fragmented, the technical execution remains highly competent and visually engaging.
- Character & Emotion 75
When evaluating character and emotion, performances emerge as a notable asset. Critics note emotionally charged choreography that conveys inner feeling, and some reviewers commend the heartfelt portrayals despite limited narrative depth. User feedback applauds terrific acting and likable characters, though occasional profanity detracts from subtlety. Overall the film offers strong, if uneven, emotional resonance.
- Story & Flow 65
Regarding story and flow, Yuli presents an inspiring biographical arc but struggles with cohesion. Critics describe the narrative as feel‑good yet slightly fragmented, with disjointed storytelling modes that can feel uneven. Users echo this, citing repetitive rehearsal scenes and an overly long runtime that hamper pacing. Consequently, the plot engages yet feels unevenly paced.
- Sensory Experience 85
In sensory experience, Yuli excels through dynamic choreography, evocative music, and rich visual texture. Critics praise the breathtaking dance work, archival footage, and mixed‑media vitality, while users highlight the gorgeous Havana cinematography and spectacular sound design. The combined auditory and visual elements create an immersive atmosphere that stands out as a film’s strongest facet.
- Rewatch Factor 70
Assessing rewatch factor, Yuli offers high appeal for dance enthusiasts and viewers drawn to vibrant visuals. Critics find it rewarding and often irresistible, though narrative fragmentation may limit repeat viewing. User reactions range from eager desire for the film to continue to fatigue from length. Overall, the movie holds moderate replay value, especially for its artistic core.
Yuli Box Office
Yuli grossed $2.1 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$2.1M
- International
- $2.1M
Yuli Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Yuli.
Cars in Yuli
52 cars on screen, including the 1979 ZiL 130 and the 1971 Austin FX4.
-
1979 ZiL 130 Important role -
1971 Austin FX4 Minor role -
1953 Chevrolet Bel Air Minor role -
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Minor role
Yuli Also Known As
11 alternative titles, including “Yuli: The Carlos Acosta Story” and “Ο Χορός Της Ζωής Μου”.
- Also known as
-
- Yuli: The Carlos Acosta Story
- Ο Χορός Της Ζωής Μου
- 尤利
- Юли
- יולי
- Yuli - Danza e libertà
- Al Ritmo del Corazón
- 飛躍芭蕾
- 율리
- Юлий
- 芭蕾王者_尤利
Seen Yuli?
Movies Like Yuli
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Yuniol, The Cuban and Juliana.
Yuli FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Yuli, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Yuli?
Yuli runs 1 hour 55 minutes (115 minutes).
When was Yuli released?
Yuli was released on September 23, 2018.
Who directed Yuli?
Yuli was directed by Icíar Bollaín.
More films by Icíar Bollaín Who is in the cast of Yuli?
Yuli stars Carlos Acosta as Carlos Acosta (Actual), Santiago Alfonso as Pedro and Carlos Enrique Almirante as Enrique, among 11 credited actors.
How much did Yuli make at the box office?
Yuli grossed $2.1 million worldwide.
Does Yuli have a post-credit scene?
No. Yuli has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Yuli in?
The original language of Yuli is Spanish.
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