Fabulous style and creativity by a fledgling Baz Luhrman. If you watch this movie as a part of the "Red Curtain Trilogy" (Strictly Ballroom, William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet, and Moulin Rouge) you can see the foundation, and progression, of Luhrman's signature surrealistic style. Yes, this movie is a bit cheesy (but I defy anybody to name any 1980's non-drama that wasn't) and if the story can't be original, at least the delivery is. Other major (if shallow) bonuses of the film include great dance scenes and choreography, one of the more realistic duckling to swan transformations I've seen, and a leading actor, Paul Mercurio, who is anything but hard on the eyes.
Review of Strictly Ballroom
