Army of Lovers is a punk-disco performance group that is queer, sex-positive, outrageously costumed, and Jewish. They mostly lip-synch, though they may rap over the tracks (this I learned from the Q+A from the Toronto Jewish Film Festival). Originating from Sweden, they are sometimes considered a successor to Abba. After 30 years, their bonds are dissolving as the members pursue their individual projects.
One member is Jean-Pierre (Michel) Burda, who left home as a teenager, and has felt comfortable only within the band. He decided to explore his Jewish roots by immigrating to Israel, where he starts with a hair salon (he used to do the band members' hair and makeup), though he would still do reunion performances, and is considering other occupations. This documentary is partly about his personal history, but also about the band, with interviews, clips from their videos, performances, and news reports.
My chief complaint is that the film is too short. While the documentary probably hits the most relevant points of the history of the band and JPB, 65 minutes is not enough. It would have been easy to extend the performance clips, especially for audiences ot familiar with the band.
One member is Jean-Pierre (Michel) Burda, who left home as a teenager, and has felt comfortable only within the band. He decided to explore his Jewish roots by immigrating to Israel, where he starts with a hair salon (he used to do the band members' hair and makeup), though he would still do reunion performances, and is considering other occupations. This documentary is partly about his personal history, but also about the band, with interviews, clips from their videos, performances, and news reports.
My chief complaint is that the film is too short. While the documentary probably hits the most relevant points of the history of the band and JPB, 65 minutes is not enough. It would have been easy to extend the performance clips, especially for audiences ot familiar with the band.
