Review of Strictly Ballroom (1992) by Stuart K — 25 Mar 2009
This is where it all started for Baz Luhrmann, one of Australia's most promising film talents, who has only made 4 films since this, but all have come with a huge amount of fanfare. His debut heralded a great new talent on the scene, it's a low-budget romantic comedy, done on a low scale, and after the epic of Australia (2008), it would be nice to see Luhrmann go back to something like this.
The film follows the competitive world of ballroom dancing, and in particular one of these dancers, Scott Hastings (Paul Mercurio), who has won awards. However, he causes controversy when he tries new steps within the old traditions of ballroom dancing, plus he soon finds himself without a partner and teamed up with misfit Fran (Tara Morice), and they plan to dance at the Australian Dancing Federation's Pan-Pacific Grand Prix, whose chairman Barry Fife (Bill Hunter) has rigged the competition after years of rivalry with Scott's Dad (Barry Otto).
Based upon a 1986 stage play by Luhrmann, this is a very likeable and offbeat film, it caused a sensation upon release, and put Luhrmann on the map. The dance sequences are beautifully done and it gives the likes of Flashdance, Footloose and Dirty Dancing a run for their money!! ;).
This review of Strictly Ballroom (1992) was written by Stuart K on 25 Mar 2009.
Strictly Ballroom has generally received positive reviews.
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