When you see the designation “3D” in the title of the film, you know what to expect. Either an action-filled flick with bodies flying through the air toward you, or a family-friendly picture with cuddly animals flying through the air toward you. “Pina” aims to confound expectations — and it does. This isn’t just a 3-D dance film. It’s a 3-D dance film in a foreign language — directed by Wim Wenders. He’s best known on these shores for art-house favorites “Wings of Desire” and “Buena Vista Social Club,” but most small cinemas don’t have the equipment to show 3-D films.

Moviegoers visiting the multiplex thus have a surprising option amid the usual winter leftovers. “Pina” really is unlike anything else playing in theaters now. It’s a breathtaking example of the possibilities of three-dimensional cinema. At least for its first half or so: It’s not clear whether this experiment is one gripping enough to hold viewers for a full 100-odd minutes.