Bolero Poster

Bolero 1981

★ 6.984 votes184 min📅 1981-05-27

"The dance of life!"

Claude Lelouch's sweeping epic Bolero (1981) weaves together the passionate lives of four musical families across three decades and four continents—from pre-war Paris to wartime Berlin, Moscow's grand theaters to New York's vibrant stages.

Director: Claude Lelouch

Cast

Robert Hossein
Robert Hossein
Simon Meyer / Robert Prat
Nicole Garcia
Nicole Garcia
Anne Meyer
Geraldine Chaplin
Geraldine Chaplin
Suzan / Sara Glenn
Daniel Olbrychski
Daniel Olbrychski
Karl Kremer
Jorge Donn
Boris & Sergei Itovitch / Lead Dancer of Boléro
Rita Poelvoorde
Tatiana & Tania Itovitch
Macha Méril
Macha Méril
Magda Kremer
Évelyne Bouix
Évelyne Bouix
Evelyne / Edith
Francis Huster
Francis Huster
Francis
Raymond Pellegrin
Raymond Pellegrin
M. Raymond

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bolero (1981) about?

Bolero follows the intertwined lives of four families—French, German, Russian, and American—united by their shared love of music from the 1930s through the 1960s. As war reshapes their worlds, their personal journeys collide in unexpected ways, revealing how passion can endure even in the face of global upheaval.

Who directed Bolero?

Claude Lelouch directed Bolero, known for his sweeping, emotionally resonant storytelling that blends music and history into grand cinematic tapestries.

Who stars in Bolero?

The film stars Robert Hossein, Nicole Garcia, Geraldine Chaplin, Daniel Olbrychski, and Jorge Donn in lead roles, alongside Rita Poelvoorde.

Is Bolero (1981) worth watching?

Bolero is a visually rich and emotionally layered drama that fans of historical epics and musical storytelling will appreciate. While it doesn't have an IMDb rating listed, its ambitious scope and thematic depth make it a compelling watch for those drawn to stories of resilience and artistry amid chaos.

How long is Bolero?

Bolero runs for 184 minutes, offering a sprawling, immersive experience that spans decades of history and personal drama.

About Bolero (1981) — A sweeping musical saga across war-torn decades

Claude Lelouch's sweeping epic Bolero (1981) weaves together the passionate lives of four musical families across three decades and four continents—from pre-war Paris to wartime Berlin, Moscow's grand theaters to New York's vibrant stages. This sweeping drama captures the heartbeat of history through the universal language of music, where each family's journey unfolds against the sweeping canvas of 20th-century turmoil. As the Second World War erupts, their separate fates collide, revealing how personal passions and collective upheaval intertwine in a dance as old as time itself.

The film's lush visuals and evolving musical scores mirror the emotional arcs of its characters, blending intimate drama with sweeping historical sweep. With its richly textured storytelling and emotionally resonant themes, Bolero (1981) invites viewers to step into a world where music is both escape and destiny, and where the rhythm of life refuses to be silenced, even in the darkest hours.