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Strictly Ballroom
1992 94 min Australia PG 16+
★7.3
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
Brave new steps put Scott's career in jeopardy. With a new partner and determination, can he still succeed?
Budget:
$3M
US Gross:
$11.74M
Worldwide:
$33.95M
Starring
Paul Mercurio
Actor
Tara Morice
Actor
Bill Hunter
Actor
Awards
BAFTA 1993
— Best Production Design
BAFTA 1993
— Best Costume Design
BAFTA 1993
— Best Original Score
BAFTA 1993
— Best Costume Design
BAFTA 1993
— Best Original Score
BAFTA 1993
— Best Sound
BAFTA 1993
— Best Film Editing
Golden Globe 1994
— Best Picture (Comedy or Musical)
BAFTA 1993
— Best Adapted Screenplay
Cannes Film Festival 1992
— Youth Jury Prize (Foreign Film)
Key opinion
Baz Luhrmann's debut is a vibrant, rhythm-driven exploration of artistic integrity and self-expression within the competitive ballroom dance world. While critics and audiences acknowledge its narrative simplicity and theatrical tropes, the film is widely celebrated for its infectious energy, emotional sincerity, and iconic musical sequences.
| Cinematography | The film’s high-energy choreography and rhythmic editing transform the ballroom setting into a compelling, visceral experience. | |
| Score | The soundtrack, featuring standout renditions of songs like 'Time After Time', acts as the emotional heartbeat of the film. | |
| Screenplay | The narrative relies heavily on fairy-tale conventions and 'ugly duckling' tropes, which some viewers find charmingly nostalgic while others dismiss as overly simplistic. | |
| Direction | The film’s overtly theatrical, campy style—including exaggerated character performances—is praised by many as visionary, though some find it grating or incoherent. | |
| Acting | Paul Mercurio is credited with impressive technical dance ability, yet his performance is debated as being either charismatic or lacking in emotional range. |