Cert TBC
76 mins
BBFC advice TBA
In recent times, I have read and heard much about the turbulent politics of the former Soviet republic of Ukraine but I can't say I knew anything at all about Belarus.
Thanks to Madeleine Sackler's movie I am much wiser about what I have learned is the only dictatorship in Europe.
An election in 1994, following the breakaway from the Russians, saw the previously little-known Alexander Lukashenko win the presidency and he has been in office ever since.
Lukashenko and his cohorts, backed by the police, clamp down on opposition to the point of jailing anyone daring to stand against him.
Thus, life for the Belarus Free Theatre, a dissent group of actors, is, indeed, dangerous.
Nevertheless, they stage underground entertainment, rounding up audience members from pre-arranged secret locations.
The film follows the theatre's actors before and after the controversial 2010 election which prompted huge demonstrations on the streets of the capital, Minsk.
It shows them at home, protesting on the streets, and performing before small audiences who are risking their liberty along with those on stage.
The movie is punctuated with the occasional flickers of hope that change may be on its way but almost as soon there is a glimmer, it is extinguished, forcing the actors to find support outside of their country.
Much of Dangerous Acts was filmed secretly - a daring expose of the harsh life behind the borders of Belarus.
Thus, it is a considerable achievement to bring the struggle of the country's people to the outside world.
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: yes
Overall rating: 8/10