Cirque du Soleil: Dralion Parent Guide
Parent Movie Review
What do Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, France, Ivory Coast, Ukraine, and the United States have in common? They are the countries of origin for the 54 artists comprising the cast of Dralion, the Cirque du Soleil’s (Circus of the Sun) latest show.
This international troupe combines the talents of its strong Chinese acrobatic core, with traditional circus acts, theater, music, and dance, in a performance that is both ancient and avant-garde. If you thought a circus was about sawdust and lion tamers, think again.
First of all, Cirque du Soleil has no animals (unless you count the people in the Chinese dragon costumes). Nor does the futuristic set and theatrical lighting look anything like three rings. But from the moment the introductory dancers take the stage, representing the four elements (air, earth, water and fire), you are captive to this high energy performance which includes balancing on one hand atop a ten-foot pole, catapulting young women into the air so they can stack themselves six people high, arranging hoops for young men to leap and dive through, tip-toeing on light bulbs, while supporting two people on your shoulders, and the more familiar double trapeze act.
Even ordinary juggling becomes extraordinary. Wearing nothing but a flesh colored body suit, with some carefully positioned painted on muscle definition, this man uses his whole body to keep up to seven balls in motion. And you should see what they can do with a jump rope!
No circus would be complete without clowns. But don’t expect them to be the red-nosed floppy-eared variety. Their unique blend of humor allows you to catch your breath between death-defying feats. I have only one question. How do you practice stunts like that, and live to be good enough to perform them?
Starring Cirque du Soleil. Running time: 89 minutes. Theatrical release August 4, 2001. Updated September 25, 2009
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Cirque du Soleil: Dralion
Rating & Content Info
Why is Cirque du Soleil: Dralion rated Not Rated? Cirque du Soleil: Dralion is rated Not Rated by the MPAA
Overall: A-
A spectacular performance, showcasing incredible acrobatic skills. While tight fitting bodysuits are necessary for this kind of performance, some viewers may take offense at some of the costumes.
Violence: A-
Clown acts include threatening others with a broom, hitting on head with drumsticks and exchanging slaps to the face.
Sexual Content: B+
Many female costumes expose midriffs, some male performers are shirtless. Two male performers wear a flesh colored body suit, accented with anatomical and muscles features. Male clown kisses cheek of another male. Man rolls up trouser legs for sex appeal.
Language: A
The only language used is in the lyrics of the singers who guide the performance. As they never use English, no language concerns were noted.
Alcohol / Drug Use: A
None.
Page last updated September 25, 2009
Cirque du Soleil: Dralion Parents' Guide
What might happen to an untrained individual who tried to copy these act in real life? Did you notice that these professional performers wore safety cables? Does that make the skills they displayed any less incredible?
The Cirque du Soleil donates 1% of its potential ticket sales to an outreach program helping youth at risk. They offer these young people from cities around the world, workshops in circus arts. For more information about their commitment to this cause, check out the “around the world” section of their official website: www.cirquedusoleil.com