Along the same lines as the blockbuster, Dirty Dancing, Strictly Ballroom offers much of the same. However, this offbeat Australian dance/comedy is much better, because it's so peculiar and enjoyable. Scott Hastings, a talented dancer who insists on using his own steps, rather than the proper ones at the Pan-Pacific Grand Prix ballroom dancing contest, causes much controversy from his mother and superiors. The characters in this film act as if Scott Hastings doesn't win this competition, it would be a matter of life and death, and in some odd way, it is. In fact these characters in this film are so serious about ballroom dancing that it adds to the off-color light this film gives off. Very enjoyable and makes a fine family choice. Wonderful dance scenes!
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Starring:
Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice, Bill Hunter, Barry Otto, Pat Thompson, Gia Carides, Peter Whitford, John Hannan
Directed by:
Baz Luhrmann
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1992 dance/comedy
Rated PG
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Don Ignacio's score: B+