Shall We Dance? (1996)

Well then... Shall we dance!

Hmmm I say yes we shall, but only a quick waltz.
For me this was average. I really liked the idea behind the story. A drained office worker leading a monotonous life and learning and enjoying dance is a great idea.

So what did I like?
First what comes to mind is where it's filmed. In the evening on te streets of tokyo for alot of the scenes.
The neon signs glowing in the dark and reflecting on the wet asphalt leaving a glissening shimmer.
Our ml always takes the train and more than once a shot is shown where the lights reflect on the trains side wich is I think a great composition.
Also the dance practice at night beneath a bridge with only shimmering lights reflected on the asphalt and a light fog over the ground was I think phenomenal and reminded me of an old Hollywood movie.
Some of the scenes at Blackpool where nice to watch. The big ballroom and the costumes..
And how could I forget the main component of the story? Dance. I love the dancing scenes and the ballroom dancing. The dancing in the dance class, in the competition and at Blackpool was wonderful.
The Music was wonderful. Something between a Hollywood dream and disney fairytale.

What did I dislike?
First of the crush the ml has on the dance teacher. I understand the fascinating and admiration with her elegance an dancing very well. As well the curiosity seeing her everyday from inside the train looking out of the classroom window.
I n the end the curiosity and the crush is what brought him to the dance class but I dislike him trying to invite her for dinner and seemingly ignoring everything besides his dance class and crush.
I like how the dance teacher told him off which was more than appropriate given the invite.

What I didn't understand was his wife thinking he has an affair but not asking him and instead hiring a detective. Wich I cannot comprehend even if I try. I understand her unsureness and anxiety, but she has ll the right to ask.


The acting was not masterclass and tended to be in the average.
The comedy was... Meh? I didn't find it funny but it also wasn't to bad.
Takenaka Naoko was in this one. I seem to watch alot of dramas / movies with him in it.
His performance here was not my personal favorite.

To close this review I would say it's a good film to watch on a Saturday night when you feel nostalgic and want to see a light and feel good movie.

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