Ballet Shoes (2007)

Ballet Shoes is a sophisticated tale set in the 1930s that focuses on three orphans from across the world that are adopted by a rich British paleontologist. They grow up, but when he vanishes on a journey, the family falls upon hard financial times. Meanwhile, the trio of girls are aching to grow up and find themselves, grasp their dreams and realize their potential. One is fond of aviation, another yearns to be an actress and the other is destined to be a ballet dancer. This is where the film finds its title, for when the latter was a baby, her mother left a pair of ballet shoes with her, hoping she would use them well.

The film plays like a typical British affair, dainty and otherworldly, from language to the mentality of the characters. As the girls struggle with their respective aspirations, they retain their sense of frivolity and childhood which was a joy to see. Despite the abrupt ending that leaves the characters trotting on the surface level, Ballet Shoes is still devoid of major problems and hindrances. Sadly, the run time is too short and doesn't let these characters truly transform into something remarkable. I wish the plight and resolution of each character could have been extended and shown more clearly.

When a character obtains a moment of joy, it is premature and underwhelming. Other characters aren't given any breathing room whatsoever. It feels like a C+ book report that a student rushed through and glanced over the heart of the story. We don't get to truly know these people, which is odd considering other emotional British films from the past.

They're all likable people, but it is clear that the source material would be a better representation of their evolution over the years. The conclusion is an impasse, one I was left stuck in. The film couldn't pry me free because it had already ended. So, it's only natural to forget these characters.