While the plot of this Australian film may seem a bit familiar (The Ugly Duckling meets Dirty Dancing), the whimsical tone and superb dance sequences will make you forget the movie's predictability. Scott (Paul Mercurio) is a champion ballroom dancer who wants to dance "his own steps." Fran is the homely, beginning dancer who convinces Scott that he should dance his own steps... with her. Complicating matters are Scott's domineering mother (Pat Thompson), a former dancer herself, who wants her son to win the Australian Pan Pacific Championship (the same contest she lost years ago), and a conniving dance committee that is determined that "there are no new steps!" The dancing is enjoyable, yet not overwhelming, and the movie strives hard not to take itself too seriously (the beginning of the film is even styled as a pseudo-documentary). Strictly Ballroom, while not so subtly imparting its moral ("A life lived in fear is a life half-lived"), is a laughable romp that's sure to be a crowd pleaser. --Jenny Brown
(15 votes)
2.
Super-hunk Scott Hastings is an ambitious, athletic dancer eager to break with the Australian Dance Federation's stodgy traditions and choreograph his own steps for the upcoming Ballroom Dancing Championship. Scott's mother Shirley, his prissy partner Liz and coach Les are up in arms over his brash attitude towards ballroom conventions. Angry at Scott's new passionate refusal to follow the rules, Liz quits, leaving him without a partner. When Fran, a klutzy beginner, approaches him, Scott doesn't believe she can make the grade. But once Fran and her family introduce Scott to the vivacious Spanish rhythms and sharply sensuous moves that are part of their culture, he realizes this is the very outlet he's needed for his talents. Together, Fran and Scott boldly challenge the Federation's provincial attitudes, making everyone green with envy.
(15 votes)
3.
A life lived in fear is a life half lived.
From Baz Luhrmann - the director of the award-winning hits Romeo & Juliet and Moulin Rouge! - comes Strictly Ballroom… the hilariously funny romantic comedy that's sure to leave you laughing, cheering and feeling great! It's the magical story of a championship ballroom dancer who's breaking all the rules, and his ugly duckling dancing partner. Together they make their dreams come true! Now celebrating its glorious 10th Anniversary - you're sure to enjoy this exhaustively funny comedy as it dances and soars its way straight into your heart. Critics everywhere fell madly in love with this big-screen treat - and so will you! And, as an added bonus, this special edition includes Samba to Slow Fox, the entertaining documentary that inspired Strictly Ballroom.
(15 votes)
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