STRICTLY BALLROOM ***1/2 OF **** grade is B+
Strictly Ballroom is a wonderfully original film disguised as a traditional, cliched one. It talks about breaking out of traditions and creating something new and heartfelt. The story is basically about a guy that takes an ugly duckling under his arms and teaches her (in an incredible short time) how to be as good as him so they can compete, and show-up the usual opponent. If you think you've seen that before, you're right, and you can still see Strictly Ballroom because it doesn't follow that formula in anyway you've seen before.
The film starts in a quasi-documentary form showing a spirited ballroom dancer (Mercurio) trying to dance in the standard ballroom fashion, but as he is trapped he improvises with crowd-pleasing but judge-annoying moves. His partner is hardly able to keep up to his moves and they lose to a white-haired man who sticks to the traditions. His partner and annoying, old-timer dancing mom are frustrated by the loss and the partner quits to join the white-haired victor. This is when the frustrated and flashy dancer meets the ugly duckling (Morce) whom also has an offbeat style.
Hey have to keep their merging secret because his mother has to see her son win, and the ugly ducking is a newcomer who has only been dancing for 2 years. They practice at night at his parents dance studio and she is under constant pressure by her domineering father. More conflicts arise and they're dancing together is questioned.
Strictly Ballroom is a crowd-pleasing film that will keep you're toes tapping constantly as you watch and listen to the film. Even though you probably know the way the film will end you will have fun getting there and will be surprised by plot twists in between. Strictly Ballroom is a fun film that can be seen by people of all ages.
WARNING: You may dance after you see this film so wear comfortable shoes!
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