Rating: 
Summary: NON SLEAZY SURPRISE
Review: The first time we ever saw STRICTLY BALLROOM, my husband and I were at the video store looking at the used videos for sale. The cover looked so racy that we just passed it by wanting to see it first, before wasting our money on another sleazy canned dancing movie. (Had we seen Romeo and Juliet or Moulin Rouge first, we probably would never have looked twice at it).After renting a copy and seeing it, we were so thrilled that we raced down to the store to grab the copy for sale, but it was gone. The very beginning of this movie is fresh, new, and brilliantly put together. The humor in the movie has the zaniness of British humor with the hard edged Aussie flair. From the very first few minutes, we found ourselves laughing, clapping, and feeling overall wonderful about the beautifully done story that many can relate to. A struggling "invisible girl" rather ignored and looked down upon takes a risk and ends up with the self-confident hero. The costuming is gorgeous, the dance scenes beautiful, and the characters are PERFECTLY done - very different and lots of fun. This movie is certainly a family movie-despite the racy cover. What we particularly loved about this movie was that FRAN, the lead character ended up on top, but did not have to become a sleaze to do it. She keeps her modesty and class and still comes out ahead. The movie is pretty wholesomely done (be warned that there are a few swear words and one implied scene with a few characters-however very tame). Dance scenes are not like so many other dance movies which are rather annoying. On the contrary, they make you feel like you are involved. All kinds of people, with all kinds of abilities dance in the movie- not just the stars. I watch this movie several times a year, as does my mom who hesitated to buy a copy when I told her about it. It is reminiscent of quirky Hyacinth Bucket character types (from BBC'c KEEPING UP APPEARANCES) with many new originals added. This Aussie film is not only a delight, but the characters are believable, and many who we know find themselves watching it over and over again- greatly brightens one's mood. I'm purchasing the DVD soon to replace the video, now worn. SIDE NOTE: I find it rather interesting that Paul Mercurio, who is a definite delight as the male lead and extremely appealing, does not like this film and wants to distance himself from the whole dancing thing (although he danced for some time before his role in the movie). It is too bad, because this movie is one of the best movies of all time. A TRUE CLASSIC.
Rating:
Summary: it's a dancin' movie?
Review: The story is pretty conventional : since childhood Scott Hastings' parents have pointed him towards the Pan-Pacific Grand Prix Amateur
Championships. But in direct contravention of the rules and traditions of ballroom dancing (which have as much to do with the teaching of dance to
willing customers as with dance itself), Scott has recently developed a dangerous desire to dance his own "crowd-pleasing steps". When Scott's
partner leaves him, he's forced to audition new ones, none of whom are very satisfactory, until, improbably, the homely and awkward Fran, who
usually has to dance with another girl, demonstrates that she understands what he's aiming at. As Scott's mother and teacher try to find a more
acceptable alternative, Scott and Fran practice in secret, eventually receiving assistance from Fran's aforementioned father and her loving
grandmother, who does a mean rumba herself. What follows is largely predictable but still endearingly romantic and exciting. Baz Luhrmann, who had directed a stage version of the story for some
ten years before turning it into a movie, brings a pulsing energy (which mixes soundtrack, color, and motion in fascinating ways) and an off-kilter
sense of humor to the film that make it quite distinctive. If you liked Mr. Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge but thought it was a bit over-the-top, you'll like
this one much better. The best aspect of the film though is the way in which Scott, who when we meet him is totally self-absorbed, has to learn that for all his desire to
express himself in dance, he must do so together with his partner. He and Fran must communicate with one another, share themselves, and be able to
yield something of the personal in order to be true to their art. They must respect the conventions of ballroom dance, with its basis in the couple,
even as they expand its possibilities and violate the self-serving diktats of the corrupt elders who run the competitions. So much of modern art and
literature celebrates egotistical individualism unfettered by any restraint; it's unusual to find such a compelling story about the requirement of
submerging purely selfish concerns in order to achieve higher purposes. One of the leitmotifs of the film is that "A life lived in fear is a life half-lived". Much of the atomization of modern life is a function of fear, a fear of
being hurt by those we open up to. Scott begins the film as only half of a couple, unable to share anything, even a dance, with his partner. He is
living only a half-life. But he becomes wholly human, begins to live a whole life, when he becomes a true partner with Fran. It's rare enough to see
such profound truth portrayed in film, but that it's done here such a joyous and exuberant fashion makes this a remarkable movie. GRADE : A+
Rating: 
Summary: Romantic, musical whimsy!
Review: It's impossible not to be moved by this wonderful gem of a movie, which proved to be a major stepping stone for bigger (but not always better) works for its director. The ultimate "feel good" story which works on so many levels...colorful, talented cast, excellent soundtrack and choreography, charming writing and witty, inspired direction & cinematography. The only reason this DVD doesn't rate a perfect score is its unfortunate lack of special features. Letterbox format would be nice and some kind of commentary or other related bonus material should have been included.
Rating:
Summary: The dance of love
Review: Hey I can be a cynic too. I have always hated dancing movies with a vengence. But one night while channel surfing and nursing a broken heart, I saw an advertisement saying 'Strictly Ballroom' would be on next. I am also a person who disliked 'Moulin Rouge' and I knew that this was a Baz Luhrmann film. But I decided to watch it anyway. And from the minute it began I was captivated by its dazzling visuals, amazing dance sequences and sweet, if predictable, plot. Hey, I needed a nice romance. The story revolves around potential star ballroom dancer Scott Hastings, who ruins his chance at gold by dancing his own original steps during a performance. His extremely upset partner refuses to ever dance with him again, leaving Scott without a partner to dance at the big Pan Pacifics competition. But his chance comes in an unlikely package, an ugly duckling of sorts named Fran, a beginning dancer. Against all odds, they form a talented duo. I won't say what happens at the end, but it definately left this viewer happy. An Australian off-the-wall delight, this will definately please you if you like Baz Luhrmann or dancing movies (I see this as 'Dirty Dancing' without the annoying actors and convulted plot). And if you don't like either (I didn't), if you enjoy romances or Australian cinema,it's a must see. So get on your dancing shoes, sit back, and enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Can I bend your ear for a tic?
Review: I can't believe this movie completely escaped my attention during it's release in 1992. In fact, I hadn't even heard of it until about two years ago. However, after one viewing, it quickly became one of my favorites. The biggest plus, in my humble opinion, is the cast. Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice are wonderful leads. They both possess an intensity that makes for wonderful sparks between the two. I also love the fact that the character of Fran was not a dressed-down supermodel-type. Tara does a wonderful job of conveying Fran's determination but, at the same time, her self doubt. As her confidence and dancing ability evolves, so too does her appearance. It's such as gradual and completely believable transformation. It is wonderful to watch Scott's feelings for her also change. The supporting cast is top-notch too. Pat Thompson was magnificent as Scott's overbearing mother. She could sometimes border on viscous but, at the same time, remain somewhat sympathetic. Now for the DVD itself. I may get raked for this but, as OK as it was, it could have been better. During the commentary by O'Connol, Martin, and Luhrman, Ms. Martin referred to some scenes that had to be cut before the release of the movie. I would loved it if they would have included deleted scenes on this DVD edition but they didn't. And, speaking of the commentary, I really didn't find it too enlightening. Well, let me put it this way, if you're watching it to get a background on ballroom, and other types, of dancing - then this is the commentary for you. However, if you're like me and want lots of interesting tidbits on cast, crucial scenes, etc., you'll only find them sparsely placed in between long stories about ballroom training, the history of the Paso Doble, and descriptions of sets. Even Baz, at one point, had to proclaim it was time to get back to commenting on the movie. Lastly, since I didn't see the movie during its original release, I would have loved it if they included its original theatrical trailer but it was not to be. Nevertheless, even if this DVD were to come only equipped with the movie itself, it would be a bargain at whatever price it was offered. If you haven't seen it, watch it! If you're wondering if you should splurge on the DVD, despite my nitpicky complaints about the DVD edition, I'd encourage it.
Rating:
Summary: strictly superb.....oh, and sweet.....
Review: When I started dance classes in 1992, I was probably one of the gawkiest, most unconfident little dancers you would have ever seen......chubby, shy, not very well-coordinated. You know how tough it can be to be ten years old! Anyway, the year was 1993, and I went to see a film called STRICTLY BALLROOM, that had just been released at a local art house movie house. Not many people had even heard of it, let alone of the director, Baz Luhrmann. It was a small film about ballroom dancing, of all things...and a comedy! All I knew was I always enjoyed watching ballroom dancing on PBS, and dreamed about being slender, graceful and perfectly tan! Just like all of those competitive dancers I saw. This film was probably one of the best tonics I needed. The storyline is about Scott Hastings (Paul Mercurio), a young man who has grown up with the dancing gene ever since he could remember. He even started competing in ballroom (modern and latin) since the age of six. He truly had the ultimate "stage mother" mum forcing him to stick to the moves (and the partners) that will get him the ultimate in coveted honors in the Ballroom dancing community--first prize at the PAN PACIFICS. His partners are all the same: blonde, busty and bossy. Also, divas with a capital "D." Scott upsets and shocks the ballroom dance community with his "crowd pleasing" steps during one of the performances, which leads to an immediate and messy break-up between him and his current partner, Liz (Gia Carides). Scott does not want to give up on his original footwork, and stubbornly practices his spins, jumps and twirls, completely unaware that Fran (Tara Morice), the beginning dancer and ultimate "ugly duckling" from his mother's dancing studio is watching him in admiration. Fran longs to break free of the "beginning dancers" mold, and team up with someone like Scott who has the guts to challenge the authority of the traditional dance steps drilled into him through years of rigourous training. She also has some spicy moves of her own--being of Spanish extraction, with a background in flamenco. This film is a real confidence booster for anyone who felt awkward on the dance floor. It is also great fun for people who need an attitude booster, and want to see a really wonderfully crafted, quirky, low-budget Aussie comedy. This debut by Baz Luhrmann is delightfully unaffected, and beautifully done. Guaranteed to have you dancing in the aisles...and, in spite of what you might think, this has the potential to be a great date film. That's right, fellas....though it has "chick flick" written all over it in the title alone, you might find yourself having fun, too!
Don't miss this treat.
Rating: 
Summary: Some spectacular dance scenes
Review: I've never really been a great fan of Baz Luhrmann's. Moulin Rouge was also a 3 out of 5 rating, in my opinion. I think it must be his style of cinematography - its neither theatre nor film, its halfway in-between... but I'm like this : If I watch a film I want to see a film, and if I want to watch a musical, I go to the theatre. Still, I gave this a shot after reading lots of glimmering reviews about it here. What I can say is this : the dancing was spectacular, and I love dancing, so that was why I gave this movie 3 stars. Apart from that, its just a run-of-the-mill love story... The lush prop sets and costumes might be a main attraction for some who loved this film enough to give it 5 out of 5, but I tend to look for something original and a bit different in a movie, and this just wasn't it.
Rating: 
Summary: Strictly average
Review: Paul Mercurio (Scott Hastings),Tara Morice (Fran), and Bill Hunter (Barry Fife) star in Baz Luhrmann's first film, Strictly Ballroom. The film is about a young dancer who because of his unique dance moves finds himself without a partner unable to compete in the upcoming championships. By meeting a plain Jane, (Tara Morice), he soon finds himself dancing again. Now I'm a big fan of Baz Luhrmann, I enjoyed Moulin Rouge immensley despite it's shortcomings and Romeo and Juliet was also excellent but I really struggled through this one. Paul Mecurio is not a good enough actor to carry a leading man role and all he does here is stare blankley and mumble out his lines. The ugly ducking scenario has been done so many times that it's really of no impact here, when she emerged as the beautiful woman she really is I had already lost interest in the whole production. Filled with Baz Luhmenns usual excess, the main problem for me apart from Paul's performance was the weak backstory of Scott Hastings parents and the embarrasing acting of the support actors. Watching Bill Hunter in any role is painful, he's always the gruff ocker type, (that's a redneck aussie to the uninnitiated), and comes across here as a buffoon. This is one of the main reasons I usually avoid Australian movies like the plague, they are always populated by these ridicoulous self-parodying characters. I'll give this 2 stars for the dazzling costumes and dancing and but this one failed to impress me. Baz has certainly got better as his career has progressed. Thanks for reading.
Rating:
Summary: Romantic, musical whimsy!
Review: It's impossible not to be moved by this wonderful gem of a movie, which proved to be a major stepping stone for bigger (but not always better) works for its director. The ultimate "feel good" story which works on so many levels...colorful, talented cast, excellent soundtrack and choreography, charming writing and witty, inspired direction & cinematography. The only reason this DVD doesn't rate a perfect score is its unfortunate lack of special features. Letterbox format would be nice and some kind of commentary or other related bonus material should have been included.
Rating:
Summary: A fun, benevolent, and energetic movie
Review: "Strictly Ballroom" succeeds on many levels -- musically (the songs complement the scenes perfectly), visually (beautiful costumes and dancing), emotionally (you'll root for the talented and creative "outcasts"), and intellectually (you'll see the consequences of conformity versus independent thinking). This is especially a great movie if you enjoy dancing (or just enjoy watching it).
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