← Back to results
Save the Last Dance
2001 113 min United States of America PG-13 12+
★6.5
Drama, Family, Romance, Music
Director: Thomas Carter
Trailers
Description
After the death of her mother, Sara moves to the South Side of Chicago to live with her father and gets transferred to a majority-black school. Her life takes a turn for the better when befriends Chenille and her brother Derek, who helps her with her dancing skills.
Budget:
$13M
US Gross:
$91.06M
Worldwide:
$131.71M
Starring
Julia Stiles
Actor
Sean Patrick Thomas
Actor
Kerry Washington
Actor
Awards
MTV Movie & TV Awards 2001
— Breakthrough of the Year
MTV Movie & TV Awards 2001
— Best Kiss
MTV Movie & TV Awards 2001
— Best Dance
MTV Movie & TV Awards 2001
— Best Actress
Key opinion
Save the Last Dance is generally considered a competent but conventional teenage melodrama that blends ballet and hip-hop. While some viewers find it an inspirational and heartfelt experience, others criticize the predictable plot, perceived lack of chemistry, and lackluster dance execution.
| Production | The film effectively weaves music and dance into the daily lives of characters rather than presenting them solely as high-gloss spectacles. | |
| Screenplay | The narrative relies heavily on standard teen drama tropes and a highly predictable progression of events. | |
| Acting | Julia Stiles' performance draws polarized reactions, ranging from sincere and emotionally immersive to soulless and visually expressionless. | |
| Culture | The film is divided by its portrayal of social and racial dynamics; some appreciate the attempt to tackle complex issues, while others find the depiction of a Black Chicago neighborhood and the rapid integration of the protagonist to be stereotyped or implausible. | |
| Originality | Opinions on the dance sequences vary; some audiences are energized by the fusion of styles, while others find the choreography lacks precision, energy, and technical skill. | |
| Emotion | The central romance is viewed by some as an inspiring source of strength, whereas others find the bond between the leads unconvincing and lacking emotional depth. |