The Dance (1998): cast, story & where to watch
1998 · Film · ★ 5.7
Released in 1998, The Dance is a comedy and drama film directed by Ágúst Guðmundsson, running about 83 minutes.
What it’s about. Águst Guðmundsson directed this Icelandic period drama, adapted from the short story We Must Dance by William Heinesen, and set on an island in 1913. Pétur (Gunnar Helgason) narrates, recalling the days when mainlanders arrived for a wedding. Flirtatious Sirsa (Pálína Jónsdottir) marries Harald (Dofri Hermannsson), son of a wealthy landowner on the island. Offshore, a ship is sinking, so the men form a rescue party, returning with the captain, the engineer, and several sailors. With a storm gathering, the engineer dies. The clergyman requests an end to the festivities as a mark of respect. Sirsa protests, but her new husband brings the celebration to a halt. The group then fragments into different activities, drunken or otherwise, and the sensual Sirsa directs her attention toward the handsome Ívar (Baldur Trausti Hreinsson). The film's score features traditional folk music.
Who’s in it. The Dance stars Gunnar Helgason as Pétur, Joi Johannsson as Vítus, Benedikt Erlingsson as Hólófernes and Baldur Trausti Hreinsson as Ívar, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.7/10, The Dance has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Dance page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Dance tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Dance (1998)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Dance change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Dance worth watching?
- The Dance holds an audience score of 5.7 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy and drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Dance?
- The Dance stars Gunnar Helgason, Joi Johannsson, Benedikt Erlingsson, Baldur Trausti Hreinsson and Magnús Ólafsson.
- When was The Dance released?
- The Dance was released in 1998, with a runtime of about 83 minutes.