Film Review

‘The American’: US Ballerina Gets Into Russia’s Bolshoi

A true, underdog tale of an American dancer having the temerity to not only attempt getting into Russia’s exclusive Bolsoi Ballet, but going for the prima spot.
‘The American’: US Ballerina Gets Into Russia’s Bolshoi
Joy Womack (Talia Ryder) rises above her underdog status, in "The American." Ingenious Media
Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson
Film Critic
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NR | 1h 50m | Biopic, Drama, Dance | 2024

“The American” is a biopic based on the true story of American prima ballerina Joy Womack (which is why it was originally titled “Joika”), who has the rare distinction of being the first American ever accepted into the vaunted Russian Bolshoi Ballet Academy’s training pipeline.

Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson
Film Critic
Mark Jackson is the chief film critic for The Epoch Times, and a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. He earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Williams College, followed by a classical theater conservatory training, and has 20 years' experience as a New York professional actor. He narrated The Epoch Times audiobook "How the Specter of Communism is Ruling Our World," available on iTunes, Audible, and YouTube. Mark is cited in the book "How to be a Film Critic in Five Easy Lessons" by Christopher K. Brooks. In addition to film, he enjoys Harley-Davidsons, martial arts, rock-climbing, qigong, and human rights activism.
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