Our Last Tango * * * *

I am sure that those who are into Tango are not going to need an introduction to the main characters in this documentary.  But for those, like myself, who know little about the history of Tango - let alone how to do it - we are introduced to Juan Carlos Copes and Maria Nieves Rego, an Argentinian couple who are the ageing greats of Tango.  

This is their story. They danced together from 1945 to 1999 and popularised Tango as well as modernising the dance without compromising it one jot.

Now in their eighties they still have moves that are awesome. They are still alive and they contributed to this excellent documentary But unfortunately they don’t dance together anymore and haven’t done for many years, you see, they don’t like each other. In fact they almost hate each other.  And yet their admiration for one the other remains.  It has been that way forever apparently. Their lives are almost a reflection of their dance.  No wonder they could do it with such convincing passion.

But they are both charming in their own way and it is reassuring to know that their latter years are happy.  Maria says “If I could do it  all again I would, but without Juan”, which is both shocking and funny.  I like the way they are both angry and indignant about having to grow old.

Their early times together are re-enacted by a young couple of dancers with choreograph from Nieves.

Overall this is an informative, warm and inspiring documentary for anyone to watch regardless of your familiarity with Tango.