Strictly Ballroom (1992) User Reviews (197)

Best Dance movie ever, Greatest choreography and costumes; also a good Romance with its moments

[CihanVercan · 8/10 · 13 October 2008]

Waltz, Rumba, Samba, Tango, Cha Cha, Step Salsa... Never seen a movie with that much rich choreography before. That's Baz Luhrmann, who is an expert at swinging a visual feast; and Strictly Ballroom is his red curtain trio opening(together with Romeo+Juliet and Moulin Rouge!).

With his own style of cinematography and overdrive speed of camera work, it's impossible to watch a 94 minutes film in exact 94 minutes. Otherwise you'd be falling into anxiety saying to yourself: "Ooops! Did i just miss a scene?" I still rewind on many scenes each time I watch Strictly Ballroom and Moulin Rouge!

Here are some unforgettable and timelessly cult scenes and moments I most like:

1- Scott&Francesca dancing in front of the Coca Cola broad sheet at the roof 2- Scott&Francesca dancing with Doris Day's "Perhaps,Perhaps, Perhaps(1954 version)" behind the red curtain 3- Francesca and Scott's meeting scene and the way she introducing herself to Scott 4- Scott practicing his style of dance and watching himself by the mirror 5- Scott's father starting clapping in unison when Scott&Francesca turned back to the stage where they are banned 6- Francesca persuading Scott upon the choices they look forward to make beside the wire fences they walk through in the night

Strictly Ballroom is one of the best choices to watch and enjoy it with your beloved. It will keep you locked in a close embrace. It is also the best choice to start learning couples' dancing.

But, if you're looking for some silver screen accomplishment, which I mostly do for every movie I watched, there is only the noteworthy achievement of costume design. Directing-editing-screenplay are collaboratively proper since it is Baz Luhrmann's own project. I only disliked the sound editing.

Status Quo Vadis...

[Xstal · 8/10 · 26 October 2020]

I wasn't sure I was going to like this so imagine my surprise when I found out that I absolutely loved it! Contains and comprises all the right ingredients, perfectly proportioned, blended and mixed to make you laugh, cry, smile and grimace. Slip on your dancing shoes, glide onto the dance floor and free yourself for ninety minutes of antipodean ballroom brilliance.

A fun movie with a great message

[dubuque57 · 8/10 · 10 June 2005]

This is a very stylized film, a lot of fun, a lot of great dancing. Some of the costumes and performances, within the scope of the plot, are almost painful, yet appropriate. And the upshot of the whole thing is a message we wish we could all live by, every day. I relate to the ugly duckling storyline, and also enjoy the attractive male star! There are characters you love to hate and those who step up when you didn't think they would. The flashbacks are very quirky/funny. I'm sure in Australia this ballroom dancing stuff is taken deadly seriously, so Luhrman probably took a hit for lampooning it the way he does. But the whole thing is a good time that ends up having unexpectedly warm, deep meaning, and not many movies these days can say that.

If Christopher Guest (Spinal Tap), Terry Gilliam (Brazil) and John Hughes (Sixteen Candles) had a kid...

[rooprect · 19 October 2017]

Long before the visually flamboyant director Baz Luhrmann gave us the blockbuster "Moulin Rouge", he made his debut with this quirky Aussie dancecom. The spirit of "Strictly Ballroom" is very campy, tongue-in-cheek and outright parodic, mercilessly skewering the pretentious world of ballroom dance competitions in a way that makes us wonder what planet this film was shot on.

Immediately you might be reminded of the hilarious Christopher Guest mockumentaries (Spinal Tap, A Mighty Wind, etc), but Baz gives this production an extra little push over the cliff. Unapologetically departing from reality, he hits us with a hyper-saturated visual feast, coupled with the fact that the story is set in the 1970s, taking us to the edge of absurdist fantasy. The presentation is almost claustrophobic, in that the entire story takes place on basically just 3 sets: the dance school, the girl's home, and the competition arena), and yet the magnificent use of colorful sets, elegant camera work, and large spaces makes us feel like we're in some sort of bizarre Aussie Wonderland. That's the Terry Gilliam (Brazil) part.

And if that blend isn't bizarre enough, get this. The plot itself is rooted in a very cute John Hughes-ish teen rebel story (Sixteen Candles, Ferris Bueller), thus appealing to our inner misfit youth. The combination is a real treat, and if any of these elements interest you, I guarantee you'll have a wild ride.

The dancing and choreography is absolutely stunning. Paul Mercurio ("Scott") definitely has moves that would make Fred Astaire tip his top hat, and Baz allows for a few long segments so we can take it all in. At the same time, the dance segments don't interrupt the pacing and flow of the story. Somehow it all blends together seamlessly. I have to say, dance, comedy and surrealism is an unlikely mix, but it comes together brilliantly. That's something I haven't seen since the days of Jerry Lewis directing.

"Strictly Ballroom" is one of the most entertaining and engaging movies about dancing I've ever seen. If you enjoy this flick, definitely check out "Razzle Dazzle", another hilarious Aussie dancecom, which also features the lovely Tara Morice ("Fran") but in a role I guarantee you wouldn't recognize her in if I hadn't told you.

Starts off just weird, but then becomes a fearless fairy tale romance!

[secondtake · 7/10 · 22 July 2010]

Strictly Ballroom (1992)

A campy, glossy, colorful, surprising fairy tale, total romance, lots of dancing, and inventive through and through. No, director Baz Luhmann has not pulled off another Moulin Rouge, which is a whole other order of invention and beauty, but this is his first movie, and it's filled with idealism. And some people to root for and to hiss against--you know, heroes and villains.

It could have been tightened up, no doubt--there are times when I was a little impatient even though they were dancing away. But mostly I was happy to watch and wait for the next step toward the big climax.

The two young leads, interestingly, came from nowhere (the perfectly named Paul Mercurio and the understated Tara Morice both in their first films). They've gone on to largely television careers, and in part you appreciate how much Luhmann gets from them. The highly stylized approach helps avoid a need for real acting, per se, but Mercurio in particular really rises to the occasion. The whole affair is Australian, and it feels bright and original the way some of fellow Aussie Peter Weir's films do, or in another sense, Peter Jackson.

If you can summon up any innocence and romance and go for what really clicks here, be swept up and love it.

Bravo! A classic! Makes you feel great!

[nz man · 9/10 · 19 May 2000]

Yes, yes, I agree with all of the wonderful comments below, but here are a few things nobody has mentioned:

1. The EDITING is superb. All too often we focus on the actors, music, or cinematography. This is natural, and in this film all of these are superb. But keep a close watch of the editing - wow, it is perfect and ties the whole film together flawlessly. There are so many cuts that make the perspective magical.(And no, I am not a film editor.)

2. Look at WHO is dancing together as couples, right at the end. This, like so many other fine details, carries lots of significance.

3. When Scott and Fran are practising on the deck at her house, under the instruction of her family, her Spanish father dances with her and says "Muy bien, muy bien, Fran. Very good!" Notice that he uses her Anglo name "Fran" rather than her Spanish name, and converts over to English. The look he gives her tells us that he is probably seeing his (deceased) wife, via his daughter whom he loves, and that he finally ACCEPTS her and her Anglo boyfriend. This is but one of many small scenes that have more depth than may be first apparent.

My wife and I grabbed this video to 'fill in time' during a quiet weekend. We were astounded at how it captivated us since we had already seen it when it first came out. Like other comments below, we have watched the end repeatedly, and it always 'revs us up' into the clouds. Bravo!

This is a satire! And a really fun movie.

[lepoisson-1 · 7/10 · 25 October 2009]

I sure enjoyed it despite the complete lack of explosions or car chases.

Where I'm coming from: I'm a 54 year old male who has danced for 15 years. My girlfriend has danced since she was 3. We don't compete because it would make our relaxing hobby a pressured nightmare (and, frankly, because I'm not very good). My daughter competed and did very well.

Some reviewers apparently missed that this movie is a satire and it's supposed to be dumb and funny. Having sat through more competitions than I can count, I can state this movie hits the nail on the head. The parents, the kids, the beginners, the prima donnas...it's all true. Yes, it's really campy and schmaltzy, the plot has holes you could drive a truck through, the acting is sometimes marginal, but we both enjoyed it and laughed out loud.

And what's the best part of this movie? The dancing. It is photographed and edited such that you can really see and enjoy the dancing without having constant cutaways to the judges or the audience (as in current American TV dance competitions. I don't know about you, but I watch dance shows for the dancing).

There are no deep plot twists to be analyzed, no characters I need to understand better...but we definitely plan to watch this again because the dancing is really good.

If you liked this, you will enjoy Best in Show.

An All-Time Favorite

[stevenfain · 10/10 · 11 September 2004]

This movie is one of those rare pieces of cinema where it all comes together.

The style is consistent - campy. The acting is wonderful. The editing and rhythm are superb. The music engaging.

It is about ballroom dancing. It is a love story. It is about the love and pathos of life.

If you've not seen this movie and are in need of a smile, see this one. It is about a dance studio whose main dancer, a male, is in need of a partner for regional championships. He and his former partner have split, leaving an opening that is a challenge to fill. The do fill it, but not until the last moment, and when it comes together, it creates a finale that is among the best ever shot.

Delightful dancing and romance Aussie movie

[Imdbidia · 7/10 · 14 February 2011]

An entertaining low-budget Australian dancing and romance movie by Baz Luhrman. It is the first movie of his trilogy The Red Curtain.

Strictly Ballroom is, in few words, the story of a ugly dancing duckling who finds her break-the-rules swan dancer. It is the story of Scott, a brilliant ballroom dancer trained in a prestigious dancing school since his childhood, who is to become the next Pan-Pacific champion if he follows traditional ballroom style and moves. However, he has a spirit of his own, a dancing creativity that he's trying to channel and express in front of the public. In his way to become himself as a dancer, he pairs -not previous begging and hard work- with beginner dancer Fran, a shy Spanish girl from a family of flamenco dancers.

The movie has a predictable unoriginal story and stereotypical characters, but the script is light and funny, engaging and fresh, and a little bit Kitch but in a charming way. The musical numbers are danced with talent and great heart, and they are very enjoyable. I especially liked the funny retro images telling the story of Scott's dancing parents through dance, which are truly creative, theatrical, and delightful.

To me, this is Baz Luhrman's most Australian movie, despite not pretending to be so. Definitely more Australian than his movie Australia, but much less pretentious and with much more heart. The movie presents a mix of true Australian characters, Anglosaxons and immigrants (in this case Spaniards), passionate people about competition and sports, always giving their best to win anything - hard working dreamers. Moreover, the characters and the story have a very Australian sense of humor, and the characters speak with a marked Australian strong accent, especially clear in Cariades' character. In fact, the characters and atmosphere somewhat reminded me of those unforgettable ones in the Australian film The Castle.

Overall, the performances are very good. Paul Mercurio and Tana Merice are convincing and good in their acting and dancing. Paul Mercurio is really great in his dancing. All the supporting actors are terrific and nail their characters: Pat Thomson (who died before the movie was premiered) as Scott's mother Shirley, Barry Otto as Scott's father Doug, Gia Carides as Scott's first dancing partner Liz, Bill Hunter as the President of the Ballroom Australian Federation, and Peter Whitford as the owner and director of Les Kendall's Dance Academy. Antonio Vargas and Armonia Benedito are also very charming as Fran's father and grandma.

An unpretentious light heart-warming entertaining movie, with lots of Spanish moments!

An extravagant, original piece of film.

[mad_mandonna · 10/10 · 22 September 2005]

Baz Lurhman's first film is a piece of film that is worthy of more that it is given. It is absolutely cheesy in every way shape and form, however you love it more because of this. The attention to detail in the direction is fantastic, each scene is done with glistening sense of bewilderment and beauty. The acting is very plausible and energetic, the dance is done with with verve and style. The music fits in well within the story. From the beginning it's all very heart warming, but the end scene gave me tingles up and down my arm. It's an enjoyable film, but at times you wonder whether your feeling bewildered, entertained or thrilled.

What ever you feel for this film, you cannot put it down for the stylised direction, and the extravagant behaviour of the characters.

See if you like Moulin Rouge, Dirty dancing or Romeo and Juliet.

*original review written by me at 15, re-written at 22*

Of all the reviews I wrote in my teens this has to be my favourite, namely because I still whole-heartedly love this film. I called it cheesy, but I'm retracting this its not cheesy, its flamboyant and its flamboyant in the best possible way. Strictly Ballroom will alienate some with how over-the-top the whole thing is, but there is no denying that this makes it all the more engaging.

Like a fantasy film, it manages to take you to a new world. It takes you to a place only film and(to lesser extent)stage can take you. Strictly Ballroom gives you a window to look through, a world of dance and instead of tentatively peering through it, forces you right up against it, where a sea of multicoloured dresses and sequins lie.

Strictly Ballroom is a all hands on deck movie that will either leave you wide-eyed and bewildered or alienated and scared. But whatever it ends up leaving you, I would highly recommend watching if you have not already seen it. And this is coming from me 7 years later, as an adult, a film-making student and someone who isn't usually a fan of this kind of film.

A struggle with the balance of drama and an almost stylized comedy

[tabuno · 7/10 · 27 January 2019]

The same year that this dancing movie came out, The Cutting Edge, a movie about figure ice skating about a female figure skating champion ended up having to seek a male partner is a more mainstream drama having a similar theme as Strictly Ballroom. The contrasts between the two films are intriguing. While Strictly Ballroom had strong comedic flourishes, The Cutting Edge directed by Paul Glaser held a more light romantic drama tone. Strictly Ballroom had an ethic diversity theme between English and Spanish while The Cutting Edge was more class oriented by social economic differences. Strictly Ballroom included much more dancing scenes while The Cutting Edge was more focused on the convoluted relational tension and evolution between the principle characters D.B. Sweeney and Moira Kelly. The director of Strictly Ballroom, Baz Luhrmann, seemed struggle with the balance of drama and an almost stylized comedy act in making his movie. Whether or not to have included such exaggerated comedic stunts and flourishes might have been a questionable call on his part. The end result is a fun and engaging movie with a cultural bent. The director would later direct the epic period musical Moulin Rouge (2001) less than a decade later. With such experience and professional, how would Strictly Ballroom turned out if it had been shot that that time?

Dance!

[R_O_U_S · 9/10 · 28 January 2004]

This was nothing like I expected at first. It's got the frenetic sense of humour that most Australian films of the period exuded, for one thing. And it's not a simple boy-meets-girl-and-they-dance story...that's the heart of it, but there's a lot of weirdness along the way. Basically, it's in-fighting backstage at Come Dancing. It begins Baz Luhrmann's ascent to greatness. And it features a truly odd performance from Barry Otto as Scott's father.

"Remember, it takes two to tango!"

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 7 July 2018]

I didn't know how to take this movie at first. It almost looked like it was mocking the very idea of a serious dance competition, in much the same way that "Little Miss Sunshine" cast an utterly suspicious eye on the whole concept of beauty contests for little girls. It looked like director Baz Luhrman was taking a shot at every single character in the movie, and in a way I guess he was, because when things settled out, the superficial characters were all put in their place and the couple that remained true to their ideals were the last pair left standing. Interestingly, dancers Scott Hastings (Paul Mercurio) and partner Fran (Tara Morice) weren't very charismatic when it came to performing their routines, but because they were freewheeling it so to speak, they happened to stand out among the rest of their competitors. Personally, I didn't find their style to be all that antithetical to what the rigid judges expected. You would think a little innovation would have been welcomed instead of having every couple adhere to a narrowly defined dancing structure.

What I liked best about the picture was the back story of Scott's father (Barry Otto), who's own career was derailed when he attempted to do what his own son was was trying to accomplish using his own style. With the entire dynamic of Doug Hastings' career and relationship with his wife (Pat Thomson) put into perspective, it wasn't much of a stretch to figure out that Scott would make up his mind, in the words of Barry Fife (Bill Hunter), to 'do the right thing'. Ultimately, for Doug and son Scott, "...it was the dancing that mattered".

As a quick aside, I was constantly kept distracted by the appearance of champion dancer Ken Railings (John Hannan) in the picture. More so in the beginning of the film, because whenever he took to the dance floor he looked the spitting image of pro wrestler Ric Flair, and under the circumstances, I expected that whenever he completed one of his flourishing dance moves, he would come out with a loud and glorious "Whoo"!

Those Damn Ballroom Dancing Rules

[ccthemovieman-1 · 5/10 · 16 August 2006]

Here's a different kind of story: mocking the ultra-seriousness of ballroom dancing, at least among people in Australia, where the film was made. The strict rules, perhaps, are mocked as much as the people involved. Once again, it's the clichéd story of a rebel who is the good guy and the establishment who are the bad people. (Will filmmakers ever get themselves out of the 1960s?)

Add some stupid humor, a very annoying lead woman (the mother of the star dancer), and a predictable storyline and you have another overrated critics' favorite.

The good parts of the film are the colorful dancers and general cinematography. The dancing is excellent, too.

Funny, inspiring, offbeat, creative

[noleander · 28 May 2003]

An outstanding movie in nearly every regard. Filmed in Australia on a tight budget, this movie succeeds in the one area that counts most: it _entertains_ the viewer.

A parody of "underdog makes good" movies, Strictly Ballroom is set in the competitive world of ballroom dancing. The movie educates (about ballroom dancing), amuses (especially with the bumbling bad guys), and uplifts (with the take-home message about following your dreams).

The show is stolen by Paul Mercurio, starring as the protagonist male dancer. His acting and dancing are superb.

A bit corny, a bit burlesque, but lots of fun! What more could you want?

Visually Stunning

[imdb-18385 · 6/10 · 17 November 2007]

Yes, it's completely predictable. Yes, it's clearly a feel-good triumph-in-the-end kind of story. But even if that's not your thing, you should see this movie because it's visually stunning.

It's not as surreal as Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge, but I think that's what makes it even more impressive. I was lulled into a sense of reality about the sets while enjoying the outrageous characters that are reminiscent of an old time silent movie. But then I realized that the sets and scenes were amazingly beautiful, well designed and thought out. At one point, I thought that the frame could easily hang on my wall as a picture. I haven't been that impressed since Kurasawa's Ran.

This is a brilliantly artistic film. Kudos to Martin Brown and Steve Mason for art and cinematography. Obviously, the costumes are beautiful, but it's even funny how the makeup team managed to capture the correct style for the dancers and, in at least one instance, the impression of bad 80's makeup that was just part of the character. I loved it. On top of that, it all works because the actors hold onto their characters honestly.

Never has a movie been so completely engaging

[lionesss · 10/10 · 27 December 1999]

From beginning to end. Wow. This is the best Baz Luhrmann film, without a doubt. I've seen it maybe half a dozen times. The characters are hilarious, but even the most obvious parodies are real. They're all so absorbed in their crazy, strange, fantastic world of dancing, you can't help but get absolutely involved in what transpires onscreen. Fran's (Morice) 'transformation' is done very well, and she is possibly the only sane person in a world of over-the-top loons. Scott (Mercurio) is astoundingly handsome and believably self-involved. Go see it!

Dance your own way

[sol- · 6/10 · 27 January 2016]

Set in the world of competitive ballroom dancing, this debut feature from Baz Luhrmann follows the trials and tribulations of a younger dancer set on winning a major competition by using his own, unconventional dance moves. The film gets off to a very promising start with humorous character interviews inserted in and around the protagonist's first attempt to impress a panel of judges by dancing his own style at the last minute; the glittery ballroom costumes are also impressive right from the very first scene. As the film progresses though, any initial zany humour soon dissipates, and while kooky touches can still be found (comical extreme close-up shots), the story gradually settles into a rather conventional story of overcoming the odds. The young dancer also gets a new ballroom partner who is a bit too much of a classical underdog. She is a dowdy immigrant with less than perfect skin and thick glasses, but it is of course nothing that a makeover cannot fix as she soon becomes a good-looking star. To the film's credit though, it is never once boring even when the story sags. The choreography is often spectacular, the film rocks to an excellent sourced song soundtrack, and the supporting cast give it all they have got, especially Bill Hunter - best remembered as the title character's father in 'Muriel's Wedding'. Those deterred by Luhrmann's flashiness in his better known films may also be impressed with how restrained his directing hand here is, while at the same time there is enough razzle-dazzle to appease those who love that sort of thing.

Love is in the air

[blanche-2 · 10/10 · 28 April 2007]

Before "Dancing with the Stars," there was "Strictly Ballroom," a 1992 Australian film written and directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice, Bill Hunter and the late Pat Thomson, who died before the film was released.

There's not much of a story - it's about an innovative dancer, Scott Hastings (Mercurio) whose parents (Thomson and Barry Otto) run a dance studio. The beginning is done in documentary style as his mother, Janet Leigh on crack, relates, her voice trembling with emotion, that it's Scott's year to win the Pan Pacific Grand Prix dance competition. Unfortunately, during the regionals, he broke out and did non-sanctioned steps, and his partner deserted him. This is all treated with the seriousness of a brain operation, which makes the film even more hilarious. A nerdy girl named Fran approaches Scott in the studio and asks to partner with him. He gives her a chance, and then needs to make a decision - win the Pan Pacific or do his own thing on the dance floor. On the way to the competition, some family secrets are revealed, and he and Fran fall in love.

Told with hilarity, poignancy, and beautiful dancing, this is one of the all-time great dance films with Mercurio's electrifying moves, hot body, and good looks raising it to a very high level. Luhrmann's fast-paced and creative direction makes the film fly by. Some of the photography is spectacular: dancing in front of the neon Coca-Cola sign, Scott learning the paso doble from Fran's relatives as a train passes by, a kiss at twilight, and the color-mad, cartoon-like flashback scene near the end of the film. The dance sequences themselves are fabulous, with the outrageous costumes, wild hair and beautiful steps.

All of the performances are good, but my favorite by far is Thomson as a former ballroom star who puts on her "happy face" though her heart is breaking, i.e., Scott doesn't have a partner, Scott won't dance the correct steps - her constant near hysterics and overly dramatic concern are fantastic.

The undertone of the film concerns the slimy, toupeed head of the regulatory committee Barry Fife (Hunter) who wants ballroom dance to remain conservative and by the book. Given the interior battles in the ice dancing arena, it wouldn't surprise me if such a thing exists in ballroom as well. No selfish, crowd-pleasing steps! Just make it -strictly ballroom. If you've never seen this gem, go out and get it.

Baz And His Beginning

[gavin6942 · 6/10 · 5 May 2015]

A maverick dancer (Paul Mercurio) risks his career by performing an unusual routine and sets out to succeed with a new partner.

Although not the international sensation that "Moulin Rouge" or "Romeo and Juliet" are, there is definitely the fingerprints of Baz Luhrmann all over this. The music, of course, is very much Baz. But more so the colors. He apparently had to go the extra mile to get the Coca-Cola sign into the film, and it makes sense why he wanted it so badly: it is the very definition of what makes a Baz film: those bright, bold primary colors.

This will probably never be considered a classic, and it has probably become more obscure over the last decade rather than more well-known, despite Baz's success. But still.

An offbeat, heartwarming fairy tale

[burgan6203 · 8/10 · 21 October 2004]

"Strictly Ballroom" was Baz Lurhmann's first film. Although perfection would not be reached until "Moulin Rouge", SB is nevertheless a great launch pad for Baz's unconventional artistry.

Of his three films("Romeo+Juliet" and "Moulin Rouge" being the other two)SB is definitely the most campy, with its extreme close-ups, the bizarre costuming of the dancers(which actually isn't that far from the real thing-at least in the 70's-)and especially the John Waters- like flashback sequence. But SB also contains hints of Baz's talent for mixing music, imagery and emotion- I point out the scene where Scott and Fran slowly dance the rumba to Doris Day's "Perhaps".

It may not be everyone's cup of tea;none of Baz's films are. But I for one would watch "Strictly Ballroom" over any of those lame Hollywood "romantic comedies" any day.

physical communication

[lee_eisenberg · 7/10 · 10 January 2007]

Many Australian movies use the theme of communication issues (think "Walkabout", "Picnic at Hanging Rock", "Crocodile Dundee"). Some people might question whether or not "Strictly Ballroom" belongs in that group, but I would say that it does. You see, dancing is a form of physical communication, and so the characters here get to know each other that way.

But even ignoring that, it's a pretty fascinating movie. Baz Luhrmann was certainly showing the sorts of things that he would later bring to "Romeo + Juliet" and "Moulin Rouge!".

Starring Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice, Bill Hunter, Barry Otto and Gia Carides.

Strictly Enchanting!

[rexdana · 10/10 · 25 June 2005]

Although recommended to me by a co-worker, I didn't see this (?) on a "BIG" screen in a theatre; I finally saw it on VHS. BUT, once seen, I unequivocally tell you -- it is my FAVORITE film of ALL TIME. It is enchanting. Nobody dies. Nobody swears (as I remember!). All the performances "hit their marks," (and that's something!). There are scenes that take breath (I won't enumerate them, so as not to "spoil" them). As my sister said, after having viewed it (VHS) in my living room, "This is a visually interesting film, isn't it?" "Yes!!" I replied!. (But, it's so much more, too!).

Don't be swayed by my "affectation." See this film for yourself. You won't be sorry!

Strictly Brilliant

[almatric · 7/10 · 23 January 2005]

Fabulous style and creativity by a fledgling Baz Luhrman. If you watch this movie as a part of the "Red Curtain Trilogy" (Strictly Ballroom, William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet, and Moulin Rouge) you can see the foundation, and progression, of Luhrman's signature surrealistic style. Yes, this movie is a bit cheesy (but I defy anybody to name any 1980's non-drama that wasn't) and if the story can't be original, at least the delivery is. Other major (if shallow) bonuses of the film include great dance scenes and choreography, one of the more realistic duckling to swan transformations I've seen, and a leading actor, Paul Mercurio, who is anything but hard on the eyes.

What a mixed bag!

[ktappe · 3/10 · 14 May 2005]

I watched this with great expectations--everyone had told me it was a must-see. For the first 50 minutes I had absolutely no idea what anyone could possibly see in this film. The characters were all one-dimensional, the "plot" made after-school specials look good, and the storyline was completely predictable. But then the Pasadoble scene came and I was glad I'd forced myself to keep watching. If only the rest of the film could have been that good. Not long after, the movie returned to schlock status and stayed there until the end. The final dance scene is worth seeing, but of course it is--it's the morality play coming to a conclusion. Good absolutely must prevail over evil, right? The real question is how so many viewers have allowed themselves to be manipulated into liking the "good dance heals all wounds" lesson. In fact, this film was so heavy-handed it's essentially Top Gun with dancing instead of fighter jets: Outcast bad-boy wrestles with personal & social pressures but prevails in the end and gets the girl. We've been there before and know the story, which makes this film unnecessary.