User Reviews

Plenty of details about this title in other reviews so I won't repeat them here. Suffice to say that this is a charming comedy with a few well-chosen messages about tolerance and community. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can recommend it for all ages.

Tango Shalom (2021) was actually filmed several years ago but seems to have finally been released in theaters and on streaming platforms. Despite some awkward editing cuts and a few draggy spots (it runs 115 minutes) it is ultimately a pleasant comedy with the kind of message this old world truly needs.

Written by the late Joseph Bologna with Claudio and Jos Laniado, the story concerns a rabbi with financial problems. He leaves his comfortable Brooklyn neighborhood (Williamsburg?) and goes into "the city" to find work but runs across a Latin dance school, which fosters his secret dream of dancing the tango. The snappy teacher (Karina Smirnoff) notices his innate talent and talks him into being her partner in a big televised dance competition. The problem is that being an Hassidic Jew, he's not allowed to touch a woman other than his wife.

So the rabbi (Jos Laniado) goes on a quest to visit various religious leaders (Jewish, Catholic, Muslim, Hindu) to learn how various religions would deal with such a problem. Once he finds his solution, he then has to face the TV cameras and his astonished family. While the ending isn't quite as rousing as in, say, Strictly Ballroom, it makes its point.

Some nice cameos by Renee Taylor, Lainie Kazan, Bern Cohen, and Joseph Bologna (who died in 2017) as the priest. Directed by Gabriel Bologna.

I guess the ultimate message is that as we are different, so we are one.

This was pitched as a comedy about a rabbi trying to navigate Argentine tango dancing while adhering to his religious tenets. It's ... not that. There's hardly any dancing, the movie dwells on excessive and unnecessary B-roll footage when time could be spent on better script writing and character development. The film tries to make a bigger point about religious pluralism, but ends up whiffing given that the script writer probably spent 20 minutes on Wikipedia looking up the traditions of each faith. The lack of depth absolutely shows, and the filmmakers try to patch over it by providing elaborate shots of religious ceremonies.

The acting quality wavered from Hallmark movie to high school production - and I'm not even referring to the kids (who were fine). The jokes were dragged out, intolerably so.

So that this isn't a completely negative review, a couple of standouts from this otherwise. I thought Judi Beecher as Raquel, Moshe's wife, acted well, given the material that she had. Her character was the only one with any sort of depth. Karina Smirnoff was also in her element in the dance scenes, although her character suffered from lack of proper development.

This film had a lot of promise but missed the mark completely.

What a piece of trash. Terrible acting. Poor writing. Bad continuity. Horrible sound editing. Lame representations of Muslims, Blacks and even a kid with multiple sclerosis. And such a ridiculous premise. I can't believe that the Palm Springs Jewish Film Festival - 2022 - would open with this. No wonder it was filmed in 2007 and took 4 years to hit theatres. It's really an embarrassment to watch. And I'd be embarrassed to have a credit on it too.

A film that all the family can enjoy, funny and spiritual, faith comedy. The journey to change your community and all it took was asking for help.

I love dancing, so thought I would enjoy it, but it was so bad it was painful to watch! I couldn't make it to the end.

Beginning with the cognitive dissonance of trying to look at Moishe Yehuda - who looks 75 years old - as the Hassidic father of young children (given the age that they marry in that sector he could probably be their great-grandfather!).

Then there's the truly cringe worthy acting by nearly everyone, but most notably the actress playing the dancer (on a call supposedly hearing that her partner has abandoned her, she answers the phone and leaving no time the other side to actually talk - she just immediately starts shouting "I hate you" and crying - most unconvincingly, and no - she's no better in other scenes).

And finally the absurdity of the premise (looking straight into the tango dancer's eyes, Moishe tells her: 'I can't look you in the eye').

My advice? Just - don't do this to yourself.

Tango Shalom is a terrific and fun film! I enjoyed the story about a man who has to overcome the limits of his faith in order to enter a dance contest. The cast is first rate with both well-known actors and fresh faces. It's an uplifting and inspiring tale that is suitable for the entire family! Plus the dancing is superb! Go see it!

I left halfway through the film. It's honestly one of the worst movies I have ever seen. Tommy Wiseau's "The Room" is better.

A truly bad film, with amateur acting, writing and directing. My husband and I are still in shock that this even made it to theaters. The storyline could have been decent, but there were many times where the characters' goofiness or poor acting got in the way. A better editing job could have fixed some of this.

I had this film recommended to me, I thought I'd spend some time and watch it. What a complete waste of time. There was nothing to enjoy about this film. When it comes to films, even if they're bad, there is always something that you can enjoy about it. Whether it's the quality of the film, or the acting, or even the damn scenery. Yet there was nothing pleasing about this film. From the acting to the storyline, it was all Terrible. I will never get my time back. Do not waste your time. Seriously. You'll get more pleasure out of staring at a wall for 2 hours.

Years ago-- I'm not sure the word "crowdfunding" had been invented yet-- I saw a rough clip on the web with an actor playing a bearded Jew who is inspired to dance the tango and asks "Am I going meshuggah?" Yes, it's amateurish, the web message said, but we're just presenting the idea and we hope people will help us get the movie made. It's a stupid idea, I thought, and the representation of Jewish culture seems pretty flimsy.

And I forgot all about it till the finished movie popped up on TV all these years later. It's still a stupid idea, unfortunately, and the representation of Jewish culture still seems pretty flimsy. So many filmed stories about strongly Orthodox Jews suffer from the same problem-- they can't include your standard Hollywood interactions between men and women without veering way outside the realm of credibility. Nonetheless, while this movie may not deserve any first, second, or third prize, or honorable mention, it does deserve a special new award for getting a preposterous idea onto the screen against all odds. And even recruiting some respected actors.

If you look Massimo Zeri up on IMDB you will see he worked with Fellini, Mazursky, and Merchant Ivory! His lighting of the different houses of worship in Tango Shalom highlighted such diverse iconography, showing off how each culture is a world unto its own! The elements of wood, single-source lighting, and rich, old-world traditions in the synagogue, to the vibrant colors in the Sikh temple, to the gold patina in the mosque, to the kaleidoscopic light in the stain-glassed church, Mr. Zeri took us on a cinematic odyssey! A a blazing display of bravura!

Bravissimo!

Tango Shalom is the independent film of the year. Karina Smirnoff and Jos Laniado shine bright both on and off the dance floor, and Lainie and Renee are the dynamic duo we all need! The interfaith themes come together to emphasize that in these trying times, we are all human beings no matter what our religion / background may be. Go watch Tango Shalom with your family!

Tango Shalom is a feel good movie. I loved the emphasis on family, love and acceptance. It was funny as well as compelling. I admired the spiritual journey of the main character. I was caught up in the story right away and all of the characters are real and relatable. A lovely, funny movie you can watch with the whole family.

Awesome, funny film! Watch it! You will not be let down!

I really enjoyed this movie. It has a very good sense of humour and most importantly it unifies all major religions over the same goal and message.

I screened this film by chance and what a pleasant surprise. The storyline was very unique, clever and it really explored cultural chords in a humorous but visceral fashion. Actress "Judi Beecher" was fabulous as Raquel Yehuda and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" film star Lainie Kazan was just stellar. Wonderful cast ensemble and a must see. Loved it!!!!

I love how they connected all the religions with a twist of comedy , super funny . Go see it yallaaaaa All the best Lebanese in New York City.

Tango Shalom is delightful and I don't remember the last time a movie made me feel so positive and happy. The acting, the writing and the music are wonderful. The movie is very funny and at the same time gives a very important message about love, peace and bringing people together of different faiths and backgrounds. A must see for everyone!

A great family film that anyone can enjoy! It's a comedy yet still takes you on a religious/ faith journey that anyone can easily relate to. Must See!

Watched this film with a smile on my face from beginning to end, along with a few tears and laugh out loud moments.

This was a fantastic, fun, family film anyone can enjoy. It puts a smile on ones face. It's pacing is well handled and you never find yourself bored.

Edited by the master himself, The existential Mr. Rogers (Robert Meyer Burnett) who weaves together a tale with grace and skill. Truly hats off to you sir.

Very cleverly written, well-acted, and hysterically funny.... great dance scenes too!! There's something for everyone!

A true comedy and a heartfelt film about living in the world while maintaining your identity. A very funny film with a message of unity, filled with likable and memorable characters.