Baz Luhrman has done it again with another spectacular film called Strictly Ballroom. Luhrman has made a simple, predictable chick flick film into a funny, romantic and very dramatic movie that the whole family will enjoy. .
Talented ballroom dancer Scott Hastings (Paul Mercurio) has been dancing all his life and carriers the dreams and desirers of both of his parents in his quest to win the Pan-Pacific Grand Prix Amateur Championships. However Scott faces many challenges on the way to achieving his dreams and this makes for an interesting and enjoyable journey as he uncovers family secrets and faces prejudice and narrow minded thinking. .
Scott's chances of winning the prestigious Pan Pacific's seem over when his long time partner Liz (Gia Carides) leaves him for another prize winning dancer. Enter the plain and unattractive Fran (Tara Morice) who wants to dance with Scott, what she lacks in good looks and style she makes up for with desire and passion. With the help of Fran's Spanish family they are all able to develop a new and innovative dance routine- sure to challenge the old fashioned dance board at the championships. Scott takes a chance with Fran and they make an explosive partnership dancing their own steps their way that is, until Scott's mother Shirley (Pat Thomson) realises they are going to enter the contest with this routine. She is really upset as she realises her dreams may be shattered.
Scott must decide what is more important conforming or following his dreams. So will Scott dance the right steps with a champion dancer or dance how he wants with who he wants?.
The dialogue in the film is very exaggerated and used with great effect, to create the uniquely Australian mood. The over the top acting creates much of the films humour and drama as we take a tongue and cheek look at the ballroom dancing world. .
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The music in the film was awesome. It was extremely rhythmic and suitable for most of the dance routines.