Strictly Ballroom

Rating:
Summary: Captivating
Review: I've had this movie a week and watched it three times already. This one's a keeper! The dancing is spectacular especially the finale. It's the best Paso Double ever! The story line is cute, the acting sometimes a bit overdone by some of the characters, but that's not why you watch it! It's all in the Dance!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Good dancing
Review: I will say this movie had good dancing and at times was very sweet with the love story, but that's about it. I guess it's the cinamatography that I really don't like, the way it is filmed feels almost unprofessional.

The acting is over the top at times and it seems like the people acting are forced and not natural. There is almost no back story to the whole plot, it barely touches on the past of this dance foundation or whatever it's called.

This could have been much better. It was nice to watch once, but I don't need to see it again. I'd say rent it from your library.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Move You'll Ever Make..
Review: the first film installment from Baz Luhrman's Red Curtain series. Though predictable, this is a wonderful and fresh introduction of Baz's both directorial wit, eccentricity and positive genius to the Aussie film industry and Cannes. We can clearly relate the elements that made Moulin Rouge "Mouline Rouge". Nice production design and play of language. Needs improvement though on some film elements like frame composition and some bit players not knowing what to do in front of the camera. but this film is generally funny, engaging, great rhythm and editing. Nice to know also that Baz was a former ballroom dancer in the special features. :)

Also, I was surprised when I realized that this film/dvd was released by Miramax and the Red Curtain Trilogy Box was released by Fox. Breakthough negotiations i guess for Baz. Got the box (which I heard is now OOP) before I complain of the sky high price in the future... no plug intended.


Rating:
Summary: the "Rocky" of ballroom dancing
Review: I really like Baz Luhrmann. He really adds some cinematic beauty to his films. And this film especially. Moulin Rouge and Romeo and Juliet were good and I enjoyed them, but this is one I can watch over and over again.

The story is of a promising young Australian ballroom dancer who isn't stepping into line with conformity, which causes problems. This seems to be a problem with any sport where they arbitrarily judge your sport (figure skating, gymnastics, etc.). But he and his surprising dance partner overcome the obstacles and well, the rest is up to you to see. The music is top-notch and so are the actors. A must-see!

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, hilarious and moving - how much more can you want
Review: This is one of my all time favorites. The comedy, drama and romance elements are expertly balanced to create a unique blend, and the visually lush sets and costumes make the movie an unforgettable experience.

The basic plot is the old story of love spiced with some growing up independence issues, but the character development, fantastic dance scenes, quirky humour, gaudy outfits and screwball characters give this movie its very own timeless atmosphere.

Don't miss this gem from the creator of Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge - you'll easily recognise his style, but this movie is very much its own.

Rating:
Summary: Another Ugly Duckling Flick, but With Pizzazz!
Review: Up-and-coming dance sensation Scott Hastings doesn't notice the nerd, Fran (could there be any blander name?). But when his uninventive peers won't let him do things his maverick way, he gives her another look. She believes in him, and soon he learns how blind they've all been. Not an altogether original storyline? Well, okay, it isn't.

But through the eyes of Baz Luhrmann, the most ordinary tale can be turned on its ear. The filming is wonderful, vivid, sumptuous. The characters are hardly real, but instead tongue-in-cheek characatures of ballroom dancing society. Its like watching a circus, a bit like "Moulin Rouge," but with a more quirky, dry sense of humor that is unique to the Australians. Paul Mercurio may not be the best actor, but his dancing is divine, Tara Morice is a wonderfully endearing nerd, and Barry Otto as Scott's father is perfectly wonderful. I laughed so hard I cried. I smiled so hard, my face hurt.

Not only is this the best dance movie I've ever seen, it's among my favorites for quirky, off-beat comedies and feel-good love-stories.

Rating:
Summary: A Long Time Fave
Review: I actually am one of the few people in the US who saw this movie back when it first came out - I loved it. I was literally raised on this movie, and when DVDs first came around, I couldn't wait to get it. This movie has heart, a great cast who knows how to have fun, and most of all, amazing dance sequences. If you don't want to go out and find someone like Scott and dance the night away after watching this flick, you need help. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to see Baz Luhrmann's roots, or for anyone who is a fan of the quirky Australian film genre as a whole.

Rating:
Summary: A life lived in fear is a life half lived
Review: At first glance, this movie is cheap idealistic shine, but it does have a deeper message. "A life lived in fear is a life half lived" is the films motto, and they advertise this at every opportunity.
The motto refers especially to Scott, a young dancer who wishes to dance his own moves, but on closer examination, aslo refers to many other characters (Doug, Fran, and Barry Fife.)
A must see if you liked cinderella, dirty dancing, or fame.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: A beautiful, touching, and truly heartfelt film. Luhrmann has created a small masterpiece here. I can watch this movie over and over and it still has that "spark" about it that makes me really feel for the main characters. The ending is especially grand. I can't give it enough stars.

Rating:
Summary: One of my all time favs!
Review: First - it's not Moulin Rouge (a movie that I do happen to love in it's own right.) So if you're looking for big names, huge show-stopping scenes, elaborate costumes...well, you won't find it in this movie.

What will you find? A sweet movie with humor, fun, and some good dance scenes. It's a little quirky - this is Baz - but it's its quirkiness that makes it a rare jewel.

I saw this movie years ago and fell instantly in love with it. I've recommended it to countless people over the years. Even my husband - who is not a huge fan of musicals - enjoys this movie. But for him, it's more for the interesting directorial choices than the dance scenes.

I've been a fan of this film for probably ten years now, and no matter how many times I've seen it, I still enjoy it thoroughly.