Strictly Ballroom

This dvd version must have been a direct transfer from a video, or a bootleg by someone sitting in the theatre because the quality is absolutely horrible! The distributor should just throw these babies away because they are not worth even a penny. If I had to choose, I would just go out and buy the video version. This dvd records all the pops, clicks and faded images, and is it my imagination, or is the film constantly shaking? If you like Strictly Ballroom (and it is a wonderful film), buy the other dvd version - or stick to the video.

The plot of "Strictly Ballroom" isn't overly complicated, but somehow its director, Baz Luhrmann, managed to make the kind of movie that leaves you smiling, and wanting to watch it again. This film doesn't give you a lot of food for thought, but it is pure unadulterated fun, and that is a lot :)

The main character is Scott (Paul Mercurio), a ballroom dancer who is tired of the steps that others taught him, and wants to dance his own steps. Due to that, and to the fact that he starts to do exactly that in a championship without talking about it with his partner, Liz (Gia Carides), she leaves him. For Liz, the matter is simple: she wants to win, and Scott's new steps aren't the way to do so. The president of the Australian Dance Federation, Barry Fife (Bill Hunter), expresses the situation quite well when he says that "Well, of course, you can dance any steps you like! But that doesn't mean you'll...win".

It is after that chaotic and interesting beginning to the film that the try-outs for Scott's new couple begin, the "judges" being his extremely emotional mother (Pat Thompson) and his ballroom dancing professor (Peter Whitford), both professional ballroom dancers in the past. Unknown to them, though, Scott discovers in Fran (Tara Morice), a frequently overlooked woman who is merely a beginner with lots of spunk, the person who he wants to dance with, even if he has to teach her himself. After all, Fran's motto, "A life lived in fear is a life half lived", goes well with Scott's philosophy that is dancing that matters, not winning.

All in all, I can sincerely say that I loved this movie, and that I deeply regret missing it in 1992, when it was released... Truth to be told, "Strictly ballroom" isn't overly popular here in Argentina, and it is rather difficult to find a copy to rent. Fortunately, and thanks to the recommendation of a friend and a new videostore, I could watch it today. I enjoyed the story, the music and the great performances given by the actors, as well as the wonderful ending that allowed me to keep on smiling after a while even after finishing the movie. Of course, I highly recommend this movie to you!.

Belen Alcat

I've seen this movie a thousand times! It's quirky! It has an incredible soundtrack! The dancing is fantastic! Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice share a wonderful chemistry. You can't help rooting for them!