Retro Review: Strictly Ballroom (1992)

Strictly Ballroom
1992
Directed by Baz Luhrmann
Cast: Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice, Bill Hunter, Sonia Kruger, Pat Thompson
Genre: Romantic Comedy/Dance 
Studio: M&A Productions 
Worldwide Lifetime Gross; $80,000,000

Plot: A top ballroom dancer pairs with a plain, left-footed local girl when his maverick style earns him the disdain of his more conventionally- minded colleagues. Together, the team gives it their all & makes dreams of the national championship come true 

*This review may contain spoilers* 

'What It Lacks In Star Names Makes Up For Terrific Choreography & Aussie Charm'

Amongst all the usual Hollywood blockbusters, the 1990s had its share of Australian hit flicks: Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Muriel's Wedding and this film, Strictly Ballroom, all 3 of which later garnered overseas appeal and success.  

Described as Dirty Dancing Down Under, Strictly Ballroom is part- romantic comedy, part - dance -based movie: flashy and impressive choreography and dance movies juxtaposed within a rom-com context. There is also an ugly duckling subtext with Fran undergoing a transformation from an ordinary, down- on- her luck girl, who dreams of dancing her way to happiness into a bad-ass dancer. As the glasses come off and she dons her dance outfit, Fran sports some nifty moves & becomes a whole new, different person: confident, and yet still down-to-earth and caring. That and a plucky & highly talented dancer, Scott, who after losing his dance partner and is fed up of repeatedly dancing the same steps over and over, manages to secure a replacement.... in Fran herself. He rebels and takes Fran under his wing and in return, she encourages him to go all out and unleash all of his talents on the dance floor. 

This is a story of opposites attract: good looking guy meets girl from the slums and transforms her into a princess, with the help of her family. Well, sort of. Their partnership develops into a blossoming relationship, further descending into love and romance. 

The film provides a fresh, energetic and amusing take on ballroom dancing competitions and the lengths one must go to to live out and fulfil their dream for real. Then there are all the fall-outs, bust-ups, arguments: Paul arguing with his mother, his mother arguing with him, Paul's dancer ditching him for another dancer. And his geeky dad, whose tragic past still haunts him to this day that his son goes through. All the other supporting characters besides Paul and Fran are a colourful, wacky bunch and provide that extra dimension: that family and friends arc that gives the film something else to concentrate on, besides the main protagonist, Paul. & yet they never dominate, nor overshadow the movie that it then becomes grating and irritating. 

The story-line is typically cliched (dancer who has high aspirations of winning a major competition & against all the odds, succeeds), but the delivery and the manner of the delivery is what makes it unique and quintessentially so exquisite, without all the razzmatazz, wham, bam Hollywood flashiness. Strictly Ballroom is as quintessentially Aussie as Vegemite as you can get: the parodying of dance competitions, laced with that down-to-earth charm & humour from Down Under & brashness you will find in a soap opera such as Neighbours, & those little flashes of brilliance really raises the bar to new heights. 

And whilst it is not as highly regarded in the same lines as Moulin Rouge and Romeo & Juliet, Luhrmann's most successful efforts, it is because of that Australian charm brimming with wit, heart, warmth and terrific performances and dialogue from this unknown cast that makes Strictly Ballroom a brilliant and refreshing take on comedy and especially romantic comedy. This film didn't have big names to carry the movie, and thankfully, Baz Luhrmann didn't go down that route: it didn't need to and in return, we get fantastic performances, characterisation, character development from beginning to end, as well as a great narrative. 

And with regards to the choreography, it is just sublime and entertaining and spectacular to watch. 



Final Verdict:

Though it has been playing second or be it third fiddle to Romeo & Juliet and Moulin Rouge, 1992's Strictly Ballroom, stylistically speaking and as a film itself, thanks in part to its theme, this is arguably much more accessible than the latter films. Luhrmann's colourful visuals and imagery, the theatrical, over-the-top and fun and eccentric style works ever so well, complemented by understated, yet excellent performances by the actors involved. 

The 'boy-meets-girl and fall in love' story-line has been done so many times in comedy and drama - yet having this juxtaposed within the backdrop of ballroom dance and theme of dance gives the film that extra touch. As well as it makes it even more intriguing, less predictable and less of a clone, compared to other rom-coms. 

Strictly Ballroom has Aussie heart, warmth, charm and humour in large doses, and in all the right places. 


Overall:

4 Countries I Would Emigrate To

As much as many Brits are as impassioned and proud of their national roots, there are some of us who still love our country, but despise how things are going or are unhappy with their lives that they are planning to move overseas.

Additionally, 54% of Brits in an Aviva survey aged 18-45 said they would consider leaving the UK to live abroad. The top 5 countries that they favoured were Australia for the work/life balance, America for the lifestyle, Canada for job prospects, Spain for the weather and New Zealand as to them it is like Britain in many respects.

Research from April 2013 revealed that almost half of Britons would emigrate to another country, if they were given the chance to do so. The study also revealed that Australia came first out of all the countries ahead of the United States of America, New Zealand, Canada and Brazil and that the weather was the primary factor in wanting to move.

If given the opportunity and money was no object with regards to getting there, here are my top 4 places I would leave Britain for, in descending order:

4. Japan 
Capital - Tokyo 
estimated population as of 2014 via Wikipedia: over 127 million

The main reasons I chose Japan are mainly because of the Anime and Manga cartoons, Nintendo, the technology and the general wackiness and silliness within their culture that I find both bizarre and amusing at the same time. Like many people, our interests in Japan is tied down mostly to their popular culture and entertainment, and tech gadgets that has had a huge impact across the globe. I also quite like their customs and etiquette - very respectful, polite. They bow down their heads to acknowledge you.

If there is one thing I dislike about Japan though, it would be the fact they hunt and kill dolphins for food. But other than that, it looks like a really cool place to visit.

3. Canada 
Capital - Ottawa
estimated population as of 2014 via Wikipedia: over 35 million 

Country in the North America continent in the north which shares its borders with its sibling rival, America. Officially bilingual with French and English as its main languages and one of the most multicultural nations in the world. Canada's national symbol is the maple leaf, which is depicted on the flag. Other symbols include the beaver, the Mountie and the moose.

Canada is a fascinating country - probably because for me it's as if it comprises of the best parts of England/UK, France and USA all meshed into one.

I also read that housing costs are much lower compared to the U.Ks, which is ideal for those looking for permanent accommodation in the area.

The thing I detest the most about Canada however is the seal hunting, which I find utterly deplorable. This has to be outlawed and made illegal. This is so un-Canadian like. I just cannot fathom a country such as this where hunters would kill these harmless mammals by clubbing them to death.

2. Australia - 
Capital - Canberra 
estimated population as of 2014 via Wikipedia: over 23 million 

A member of the commonwealth alongside Canada and the UK and 6th largest country in the world. Home to Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Neighbours, Chris Hemsworth, Kylie Minogue, Blinky Bill and Fosters beer. Ranks highly in terms of quality of life. Aussies are known for  their laid- back attitude and easy-going manner, their country's lifestyle and warm sunshine. They don't take things too seriously, which is good.

When I think about Australia and its people, I think to myself how much it is similar to Britain. Very civilised, much more optimistic bunch of people as well. They are more British- like than American-like in their mannerisms and such. However, they have wonderful beaches that can rival those in Florida and Hawaii, USA. I also admire how much they care for animals & wildlife. The kangaroos, koalas, possums etc.

The Aussies seem to be really cool people. I love their accents and are very down-to-earth. And like America, Australia is very multicultural. It is also home to one of the largest overseas Chinese diaspora communities in the world, alongside the USA & Canada. A statistic that may not be of importance to many people, but as a British Chinese myself, with over 800,000 residing in Oz, it is one of the other deciding factors for me in visiting Australia.

Downside to Australia is cost: 3 of the cities in Oz are in the top 50 most expensive cities in the world to live in. And Rupert Murdoch.

1. The USA -
Capital - Washington, D.C
estimated population as of 2014 via Wikipedia: over 300 million 

Over 1 million people from around the world arrive in the country to live and work in the US, every year, which is one of the reasons why the United States is one of the most popular destinations for Brits, in particular. Whatever people say about America, it boasts 2 things that can't be rivalled in other countries: US states that vary and differ in culture, as well as their accents and the idea that if you can make it in America, you can make it anywhere.

If there is one problem that might hinder one's chances of emigrating to the U.S, it would be that 1) you need a visa, 2) you need a relative who is a naturalised U.S citizen and have lived and worked for a considerable amount of time. Alas, the Green Card.

I've always wanted to go to America, since I was a teenager. Plus, the music, TV shows, movies, celebrities. Many of my favourite celebrities are from America and it is a country that I have always shown interest in. Even during the early 00s when the U.S had a very negative image and perception worldwide, due to the invasion of Iraq and George Bush as President.

And since Barack Obama's inception as U.S president, I have noticed that those negative perceptions and anti-American hostility from around the world, has evaporated. Well almost. And thus, Brits love America again and are back to being their transatlantic buddies.

Main reasons I chose the U.S are the multiculturalism and melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, English being the main language and thirdly, etiquette. The thing that both Japan and America shares is personal responsibility. You are not asked to be polite, respectful and courteous to others but rather you are expected to show it. Unlike here in Britain, where for some people they choose to do the opposite, and become respectful and kind but when they are told to do so by others.

I also find some of the sarcasm, piss-taking and digs at Americans, especially when a lot of them are just nice people, when they are in the UK or on TV shows off-putting and irksome. Sure some Americans will do that towards Brits as well. And either way, I don't find that very nice at all. I just think most of the time, they get a bad (and undeserved rep), which borders on stereotypical and arrogant. That of which many Americans are not. It's purely ignorance. 

I just enjoy seeing the bi-continent relations Britain has with the U.S that has stemmed from way back since the world wars. 

Their national values in freedom, tradition, justice, opportunity and community may be oh so American to so many Anti-american folks out there, but at least they have a sense of pride as to where they come from, who they are as individuals, and at the same time come across as being courteous towards people of other cultures, nationalities. 

Probably the no.1 concern of mines, and many other folk would be crime and guns. But as long as you stay safe and be sure to be vigilant at all times, you should be okay. And dare I say it, but I am not in favour of the death penalty either.

Sure the United States of America divides people's opinions - some love all things American, some don't.

But their optimism, their own concept of working hard to accomplish your goals, their eagerness to be more open about other cultures and wanting to know more about you as a person, these are factors that can't ever be eroded, as well as they best sum up the America that we know of and admire today.