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Summary: A little history
Review: Besides the excellent dancing sequences, its initial humor, and the eventual love story, one of the most overlooked aspect of the movie is its 'political' satire of professional ballroom dancing scene at the time. The echo of "no new steps" is still one of the issues that beleaguers the professional circuit and its stodgy establishment.
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Summary: Why didn't I see it sooner?
Review: What a wonderful movie! I really can't believe that after taping and watching "Joseph" in '95, I waited 5 years to inquire as to other movies Paul Mercurio was in. This was a treat not only for my but for my 3 nieces 8, 11 & 12 that watched it with me. They are all clamoring for a copy. The music, costumes, acting and especially the dancing were spectacular. The story was great and the flashback too too funny. Can't even decide which part I liked best. Too bad Hollywood can't put out movies of this caliber.
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Summary: A great independant film
Review: Having to watch this for a film appreciation class wasn't to exciting, but after I watched it, it was great! With it's wonderful direction, acting, and romantic storyline it is a must have for all movie watchers! I highly reccomend buying this movie from Amazon!
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Summary: Not Just Dancing
Review: In this film ballroom dancing is used as a metaphore for life. This is a movie about thinking for yourself rather than following the crowd. The phrase "A life lived in fear is a life half lived." plays significantly in it. Be aware that the first five or ten minutes of the film are done as a documentary. These scenes set up the story perfectly, but I've had two people (who both loved the film) tell me that they would have turned it off during the documentary scenes if I hadn't been watching it with them. This needs to be released on DVD!
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Summary: More than just a dance movie...great life lessons are here
Review: Baz Luhrmann at his finest. This terrific film is really three movies in one. First, there's the tremendous dance movie whcih centers on Scott Hastings (Paul Mecurio) and his struggles to introduce 'new steps' to the sheltered world of Austrailian ballroom dancing. For dance afficiandos, despite the broad comedy that infuses the movie, the dancing is the real thing. Mecurio is a formally trained dancer and you simply can't fake, edit, or body-double the moves he pulls off in this film. Even if you're not a dancer, Mecurio's athletiscism alone is worth seeing.The second movie is a Dirty Dancing-style, boy-meets-ugly-duckling tale. The story allows you to peek behind the covers of a first generation Australian and her awkward attempts to fit into a new culture while maintaining her European ties at home. The third movie is what sets Strictly Ballroom apart from the field - tremendously funny, broad caricatures squabbling around the periphery of Scott and his struggle to bring his 'new steps' to the Pan-Pacific Championships. Pat Thompson is hysterical as Doug's mother Shirley, and Bill Hunter is wonderfully over-the-top as dancing kingmaker Barry Fife ('There are no new steps!'). But attention first-time viewers - keep your eyes on Barry Otto as Scott's father, Doug Hastings. This odd, seemingly shell of a man is actually the emotional core of the film. He provides the movies funniest moments (particularly - as other reviewers have alluded to - a flashback sequence so over-the-top hilarious that it defies description) and its most relevatory ones. Play this film over and over again and you will never be disappointed.
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Summary: The Best
Review: This is the best movie. The plot is a bit predictable . . . boy meets girl. . . they fall in love. . . but it is a sweet story all the same. I highly recomend this movie to anyone who needs a feel good movie.
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Summary: Wonderful Film
Review: I loved this film! It is a nice Australian Dirty Dancing and leaves you feeling good after it's over. Baz Luhrman is a brilliant director and it shows in this film. I would highly recommend it!
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Summary: The one movie that I can never get enough of
Review: This movie is simply not typical among the common 'Ugly Duckling' scripts where things take on a less realistic level. It is so refreshing I can never get sick of it. Top rating, a real tasty film, trimmed with colorful characters and a dashing ballroom performance.
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Summary: Paul, you hot little¿
Review: I am not a dancer-not even close. But this movie makes me want to put down my Hostess Ding-Dong and get off the couch. The dancing is great to watch-but the love story is even better. You can almost feel the sweat rolling off his neck when they dance. The dance scene at the end where he kisses her gets me every time. This is a great movie.
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Summary: A beautiful and inspiring movie about professional dancing.
Review: Ok, ok, I know... there have been a lot of dancing competition movies lately, but if you like romantic comedies mixed with exotic flaminco dancing as well as beautiful and elegant ballroom dancing, this movie is for you. Very similar to "Shall We Dance" and although probably not as high budget, it is definately just as good as, if not better than "Shall We Dance." A really wonderful and inspiring movie for lovers of professional dance.
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