Educational Media Reviews Online

This program documents two innovative workshops for at-risk street kids held by the world famous Cirque du Soleil in the cities of Montreal and Rio de Janeiro. Held over the course of two weeks, professional circus performers and trainers teach the teens acrobatics, juggling, stilt walking, and group acts such as pyramids, that will essentially culminate in a public performance of their own. Through this program the teens also learn lessons in self-discipline, respect, trust, and to develop a dependence on each other. The skills that they learn help them to develop self-confidence and to desire more for themselves. The workshops are tasking and at times the professional circus performers share doubts of the program's effectiveness, however their persistence and encouragement pays off and the show goes on.

The video's interview format familiarizes viewers with the teens and their individual life stories. Film crews follow the teens through several trials and tribulations during the few short weeks, drawing the audience into a better understanding of the teens' feelings of frustration with their parents, with themselves, and with the world. Several of the teens are also fighting drug addictions and troubles with the local authorities.

The cinematography was well done. Filming of the diverse social settings and environments where these teenagers are living and their daily activities held interest. Due to language differences, the film is translated to English with various pleasant male and female voice-overs and non-intrusive subtitles. Performance clips from the real Cirque du Soleil define transitions between the Montreal group and the Rio De Janeiro group and lead to less confusion for viewers. Inspirational circus music, cultural music, and atmosphere are scattered throughout.

Bullfrog Films recommends the viewing ages from school grade 7 through adult. It should be noted, this program contains minor occurrences of profane language and open discussions and use of drugs among the two groups.

When the Circus Came to Town is a unique teaching tool for those working with at-risk teens and would fit well into an educational collection in either an Academic or School Library setting. This film comes recommended.