The documentary opens with the Romanian proverb: "You cannot walk straight when the road begins." This proverb practically sums up the lives of the majority of these individuals who have had to overcome both personal and cultural obstacles to become the successful performers they are today.
"Tales of a Gypsy Caravan" follows five bands of gypsies as they make their way across America on a sold-out tour. The combination of Indian, Macedonian, Spanish and Romanian dancing and singing makes for an incredibly vibrant and entertaining show. Each group of Roma brings its own style of music and dance from their respective countries, which varies significantly in spite of the fact that they are all of gypsy heritage.
The film alternates between scenes of on-tour performances and those that reveal the private lives of select members of the Roma groups. The first group of Roma from Romania is called Fanfare Ciocarlia. They sing and play instruments to earn the money needed to provide their village with electricity. They also came up with the idea for these different gypsy bands to unite and form a traveling caravan.
The second Romanian group, known as Taraf de Haidouks, is led by an elderly violinist, whose cynical view of life provides some interesting moments throughout the film. It is a tradition among the Taraf de Haidouks to pass on the knowledge of singing and making music to their children and grandchildren. The teaching starts as soon as the baby is capable of holding the instrument. The Taraf de Haidouks have also appeared in a movie alongside Johnny Depp, who is featured in a cameo role in which he discusses how gypsies are simply misunderstood by the general public.
The gypsy group from India is known as the Maharaja. The group dances, plays instruments and sings superbly. Among them, there is even a man who dresses up as woman to perform "The Knee Dance," a rare and difficult routine, of which only two performers in the world are capable. The Indian gypsies are also the most humorous individuals of the entire group. They take great joy in imitating their peers and have incredible comic timing.
Known as the "Queen of the Gypsies" for her long and prosperous career in show business, Esma Redzepova is another highlight. Redzepova is not only a talented singer, but also a humanitarian dedicated to helping war refugees who have fled to Macedonia. Redzepova's energetic and joyous performances help her publicize the horrific conditions in her home country and pave the path for other aspiring gypsy artists to enter the entertainment industry.
Last, but not least, is the family group from Spain called Antonio El Pipa. This band takes pride in its fabulous flamenco dancing, accompanied by traditional Spanish songs. Unlike the other gypsy bands, the Spaniards don't speak their ancestral language of the Romani even though they remain a part of the Roma culture.
After a six-week-long journey on the road, each performer realizes that although the styles in which each band performs are different, there are also many similarities among them. There is a definite sense of camaraderie as the gypsies from different countries across the world accept each other as family. The five groups learn to blend their unique styles to create a spectacular finale, merging the groups into one enormous troupe of singers and dancers.
Since the gypsies speak and sing in their native languages, the film has English subtitles. I didn't understand half of what was sung during the performances, but that didn't stop me from getting chills after each powerful and passionate note. The aunt from Antonio El Pipa described this sensation in such a way that it seemed as if she had read my mind. She said that you don't have to know what they are saying, but it is the spirit of the song-or "el duente"-that causes you to shiver with delight.
"Tales of a Gypsy Caravan" provides insight into the everyday lives of a group of people that audiences don't get to see too often. By viewing traditional birthday celebrations, weddings and funerals in addition to lively performances, the audience is transported to a place where it is acceptable to be a gypsy, without the fear of hatred and prosecution sparked by tasteless stereotypes. Ultimately, Dellal should be lauded for having crafted a film that allows us to so fully appreciate Roma culture.