Chernite lebedi

In this gloomy drama, the sheer determination of Violetta to become a starring ballerina consumes her life and all her relationships, and though she eventually achieves her goal of stardom, it has been at the expense of whatever chances she might have had for romantic satisfaction. The strenuous demands of the life of a professional dancer, with its constant rehearsals, performances, necessary personal disciplines, and other privations, is accurately if not cheerfully depicted in this demanding film.

Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide