Advantages: Classic fairy story set to the outrageous backdrop of ballroom dancing Disadvantages: Cliched, trite, predictable.
This perceptive and well-executed film still after nearly 15 years since its release comes over as one of the most original films I've ever watched. The storyline is nothing more than a re-working of a classic fairy tale of handsome princes and ugly frogs (or dance partners) and yet the magical retelling make this film the success it is.
Scott Hastings is the ballroom dance prodigy who since being groomed to win the all important Pan-Pacific Grand Prix championship from the age of 6 looks like he could be throwing it all away by continuing to use un-registered and therefore illegal dance steps in his routine. His mother is shocked and dismayed that Scott could throw his chance of the title, his dance coach, Les Kendell is similarly gob smacked but most effected of all is Scott dance partner, who quits dancing with Scott and takes up ...
Advantages: Great choreography, very well acted, good music Disadvantages: Um...none, really!
I love this film! I went through a phase of watching it when I was about 8, then I forgot about it for six years. But the other day I was ill, and decided there was no better way to pass the time than to sit back, watch a film and think "All my friends are in Maths! Mwah ha ha!"
And I'm so glad I did! I'd totally forgotten what a good movie it is! And now I'm hooked again.
The story is about two ballroom dancers. The first is Scott Hastings (Paul Mercurio). Scott's been dancing since he was six, and is a champion, just like his mum Shirley and his coach Les were. Everyone thinks that it's going to be his year - everyone expects him and his partner Liz to win the Pan Pacific Grand Prix.
The other is Fran (Tara Morice). She's pretty clumsy and gawky, and you wouldn't expect her to be the dancy type, really. She's only been ...
Advantages: Fast paced dancing movie - camp and marvellous! Disadvantages: Maybe too camp for some
Another Smash at the 1992 Cannes Film Festival - Written and directed by Baz Luhrmann, StrictlyBallroom is the movie before Strictly come dancing, Dancing on Ice and our new love affair with Dirty Dancing at the West End.
This movie is moving, shaking story of the ugly duckling, 'making it'. This brilliant 1992 movie (with some fashion and make up from the 1980's) with fantastic Australian humour, the brilliant dancing, and that wig, will make you forget how predictable the plot is (and how many others came after it). Scott who is played by the gorgeous Paul Mercurio is a champion ballroom dancer and now wants to dance his own steps - which would not typically be at home on the ballroom floor.
Fran is the 'ugly duckling' - for now anyway. She is a beginner who convinces Scott he should dance his own steps - with her. Scott ...
If you can get into Enya, then this is in my opinion the best of her 5 albums and is a very passionate and romantic album, which is great with a glass of wine, candles, nice food, an open fire, followed by...........
There is none and I challange anyone to argue with me, ok!!! (*)
