Etoiles: Dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet(Tout près des étoiles)

San Francisco Chronicle by

For the most part this is a dull, dour documentary on what ought to be a joyful or at least fascinating subject.

Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt

While more performance views would have been welcome, this is a treat no balletomane can afford to miss.

L.A. Weekly by Hazel-Dawn Dumpert

Tavernier's documentary about the famed Paris Opera Ballet is itself a graceful thing, a fleet-footed yet substantial examination of what it means to devote one's life to the art of dance.

Los Angeles Times by Kenneth Turan

You might expect its beauty but not its intelligence, its ability to reflect the texture of some extraordinary lives.

TV Guide Magazine by Maitland McDonagh

Overall the film is a fascinating glimpse into an insular world that gives the lie to many clichés and showcases a group of dedicated artists.

The New York Times by Stephen Holden

The cinematic equivalent of sampling goodies from a spartan tastings menu in which the entrees, desserts and appetizers are confusingly jumbled together.