The Ballad of Bering Strait
The Ballad of Bering Straitis a sharp and sensitive documentary about the emotionally perilous journey of several classically trained Moscow musicians who dream of breaking into Nashville's seemingly impenetrable country scene. Superb in technique and soulful in performance, these gifted veterans of Russia's famously rigorous musical training compriseBering Strait, a hard-charging, rootsy band with solid bluegrass credentials and country-pop flavoring. Their blend is perfect for the era of the Dixie Chicks, but the film captures a near-debilitating flow of problems for Bering Strait, including industry perception (a Russian novelty act?), elusive record deals, homesickness, low morale, deficit spending.... Director Nina Gilden Seavey spends years patiently capturing the ups and downs of this ever-hopeful band of outsiders, in the process clarifying anew the face of the American Dream as most non-superstars--whether resident or immigrant--realistically understand it.--Tom Keogh