Digest

This podcast episode delves into the 1990 film "The Forbidden Dance," initially causing confusion with its similarity to "Lombada." The hosts discuss the erotic Lombada dance phenomenon, the film's environmental message about saving the rainforest, and its rushed 90-day production. Critiques are leveled at the dancing, performances, and the simplistic portrayal of environmental and racial themes. The rivalry between producers Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, who independently produced competing "Lombada" films, is explored, with "Lombada" ultimately outperforming "The Forbidden Dance." Despite its flaws, the film's bold environmental message is acknowledged, and it's recommended for its enjoyable, well-paced runtime. The episode also touches on 90s aesthetics, character analyses, and concludes with a call to support the rainforest and information about upcoming live shows and merchandise.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and The Lombada Dance Phenomenon

The podcast begins with confusion over "The Forbidden Dance" and "Lombada," introducing the risqué 1990 Lombada dance phenomenon, its erotic nature, and the fashion trends associated with it.

00:05:11

Plot, Themes, and Rushed Production

A synopsis of "The Forbidden Dance" is provided, focusing on Nisa's mission to save the rainforest, touching on environmentalism, racism, and dance as protest. The film's rapid 90-day production is discussed as a factor in its disjointed narrative.

00:09:56

Critiques of Dance, Performances, and Characters

The hosts critique the film's dancing and performances, analyze characters like Jason and his friends, and discuss the portrayal of racism and the simplistic environmental message with corporate villains.

00:19:03

90s Aesthetics and Magical Elements

Humorous discussions arise about 1990s hairstyles, particularly Jason's. The character of Joa, the shaman with magical abilities, and Carmen, a vibrant dancer who aids Nisa, are also highlighted.

00:24:36

Plot Inconsistencies and Controversial Scenes

The convoluted plot, including the dance contest to save the rainforest, is questioned. The brothel scene, switchblade nostalgia, and comparisons to Ghislaine Maxwell are discussed, alongside overt racism and the unpunished villainy of Ashley.

00:30:33

Environmental Messaging and Social Commentary

The film's simplified approach to climate change and rainforest destruction is examined, along with perceived "MAGA" undertones, casual slurs, and xenophobia. The conservative nature of Beverly Hills is contrasted with dance as self-expression.

00:32:15

Criticism of the Lombada Dance and Era Context

The Lombada dance itself is heavily criticized as terrible and soulless. The film is placed in the context of a conservative era where the erotic dance was a transgressive act, contrasting with later dance films.

00:34:10

Performances, Climax, and Plot Holes

The camera work focusing on mid-sections during dance scenes is analyzed. Performances by Kid Creole and the Coconuts are discussed, along with the film's climax involving a boycott. Unanswered questions about passports and travel highlight plot holes.

00:38:56

Character Actions and Dance Parallels

Nisa's actions, Jason's dancing, and his parents' concerns are discussed, drawing parallels to "Footloose." The need for Jason to have a "Swayze" figure is humorously noted, and the club dynamics are compared to "The Max."

00:42:59

The Dance's Hypnotic Power and Cohesion Issues

The hosts debate whether Jason and Nisa are underdogs and discuss the dance's power to hypnotize men. The film's lack of cohesion and unclear messaging are criticized, with a humorous suggestion for sex-positive PSAs for environmentalism.

00:45:11

Transgressive Dance, Relationships, and Tropes

The film is viewed as a transgressive act in a conservative era. Carmen's generosity and a condom sliding under the door are discussed, along with the "white savior" trope and class/race commentary.

00:48:11

Compressed Timeline and Club Dynamics

The absence of exposition dumps and the film's compressed timeline (estimated at 48 hours) are noted. The Lombada club's business boom and Nisa's purity despite her desirability are discussed.

00:50:01

Genuine Conflict and Character Revelation

A rare moment of genuine conflict occurs when Nisa threatens to take Jason upstairs. The hosts imagine interrogating Jason about his encounter, highlighting his non-racist, non-rapist nature revealed through dance.

00:51:33

Jason's Fall and Shaman's Healing

Jason's comical fall and lack of upper body strength are discussed, followed by the shaman's snake healing his broken ankles, showcasing the film's magical elements.

00:52:41

Laura Herring's Presence and Film Comparisons

Laura Herring's captivating presence is noted, drawing parallels to "Mulholland Drive." However, her dancing in "The Forbidden Dance" is found lacking, and the hosts express curiosity about watching the other "Lombada" film.

00:54:51

Legal Battles and Producer Rivalry

The key difference between the two "Lombada" films is explained: one has the name, the other the song. The backstory of producers Golan and Globus's rivalry and their race to produce films is detailed.

00:57:17

Box Office Performance and Environmental Success

"Lombada" significantly outperformed "The Forbidden Dance" at the box office. Despite its flaws, the film is credited with successfully conveying its rainforest-saving message.

00:58:29

Reviews, Dance Movies, and Ambiguous Messaging

Reviews praise "The Forbidden Dance" for entertainment and ecological themes. It's compared to other dance movies where dance aids self-discovery. Confusion remains about the company's products and what to boycott.

01:00:42

Sensuous Film and Bold Messaging

"The Forbidden Dance" is described as a sensuous film that allows talent to express itself. Its boldest aspect is the direct rainforest message, despite flawed execution, surprising given its producers.

01:02:30

Fantastical Scenarios and Memorable Characters

A humorous scenario of the shaman healing the ozone layer is proposed. Mama Coconut, a judge with infectious energy, is highlighted for her captivating presence and enthusiasm.

01:03:58

Mama Coconut's Critical Eye and Real Identities

Mama Coconut is noted for being captivated by various dancers, suggesting a lack of critical discernment. The real identities of Mama Coconut and Kid Creole are revealed, along with their ongoing careers.

01:04:52

The Disgusting Kiss and Film Recommendations

The kiss between Jason and Nisa is described as disgusting and lacking chemistry. Despite this, the film is recommended for its enjoyable aspects and appropriate length.

01:06:31

Ideal Movie Length and Structure

The film's 1 hour and 35-minute runtime is deemed ideal. The significant use of montage is noted, allowing viewers to potentially skip parts.

01:06:56

Supporting the Rainforest and Merch Promotion

Listeners are encouraged to support the rainforest and purchase episode-specific merchandise, such as t-shirts.

01:08:04

Upcoming Live Show and Listener Engagement

Information is shared about an upcoming live show featuring "Live Wire." Listeners are encouraged to submit corrections or omissions via voicemail or Discord.

01:08:27

Behind-the-Scenes Team and Farewell

The episode concludes with acknowledgments to the behind-the-scenes team, followed by a final farewell.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the main confusion surrounding "The Forbidden Dance" and "Lombada"?

  Confusion arose because two similar films, "The Forbidden Dance" and "Lombada," were released concurrently. Legal disputes over the "Lombada" title led to changes in marketing.

• What is the Lombada dance and why was it controversial?

  The Lombada is a fast, erotic Brazilian dance with close partner contact. It was controversial in 1990 for being sexually suggestive, especially with short skirts, causing moral concerns.

• What is the central environmental message of "The Forbidden Dance"?

  The film's core message is about protecting the Amazon rainforest from a destructive American corporation, with the protagonist Nisa fighting against this exploitation.

• How did the rushed production of "The Forbidden Dance" affect the film?

  Produced in just 90 days, the film's rapid creation likely contributed to its disjointed narrative and uneven quality.

• What were the hosts' opinions on the dancing in "The Forbidden Dance"?

  The hosts found the dancing awkward and unconvincing, particularly Nisa's solo performances, feeling the choreography lacked energy and intended eroticism.

• Who were the main antagonists in "The Forbidden Dance"?

  Antagonists included a greedy corporation destroying the rainforest, Jason's racist friends, and Ashley, Jason's girlfriend, who acted as a villain without consequences.

• What is the significance of the Golan-Globus rivalry?

  Former partners Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus had a falling out and independently rushed to produce their own "Lombada" films, leading to intense competition and the release of both movies.

• Did "The Forbidden Dance" successfully convey its environmental message?

  Despite flawed execution, the film effectively raised awareness about rainforest issues. Its bold environmental message was considered surprising from its producers.

• Would you recommend watching the film discussed?

  Yes, despite some unappealing scenes like a "disgusting" kiss, the speakers recommend the film for being enjoyable and well-paced.

• What was the ideal length for the movie discussed?

  The speakers agreed that the movie's runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes was ideal, finding it well-paced and enjoyable.

• How can listeners support the podcast and its initiatives?

  Listeners can support the rainforest and purchase episode-specific merchandise, such as t-shirts, through provided links.

• What is the next live show event?

  The next live show will feature the Pierce Brosnan action film "Live Wire" on April 1st at Largo.

Show Notes