Shall We Dance? Reviews

• Why tamper with perfection

  
  By A2QHM5HBSIXRL4 on 2004-09-17
  I see over one hundred well-written summaries on these pages, with an average five-star rating. While adding my rave review to the list, I ask the question: Why tamper with perfection? The US-made re-make is about to hit the screens with A-list cast Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez, and Susan Sarandon. I know for a fact that a large majority of the U.S. population will never watch a subtitled film, so I can understand the reason for re-making it. However, I think everyone who has written here will agree that there's no way this Gere/Lopez/Sarandon re-make will capture the spirit of the original, certainly not the two driving forces that propel it.
  
  First, there's the drudgery of the Japanese salaryman...like millions of others Tokyo-based wage slaves, Koji Yakusho's unhappy accountant takes his hours-long train ride home each evening, beaten down a bit more by his lot in life. He spies a dance studio, a dancer...and slowly - night after night - develops a small dream. The night he finally decides to get off the train is a magnificent scene...there's a complete struggle going on inside his body to hop off and stay off that train. I wonder how the re-make will possibly capture even a smidgen of that angst.
  
  Second, there are the strong mores of Japanese society and the overrriding ethos of "the upright nail gets hammered down." In the U.S., to a large extent, the spirit of the individual endures - if you want to dance, you dance. In Japan, not only is Koji Yakusho's character battling himself, he's battling his country's perception of his decision to dance, which basically can be summarized as: "Guys don't." Again, I challenge the re-make to capture this tension.
  
  I will point out that I'm not dead set against any re-make: I'm a big fan of the Argentinian film "Nueve Reinas," and thought that 2929 Entertainment's recently released "Criminal" really compared quite well to the original. Still, I urge those of you with any interest in seeing the upcoming release of "Shall We Dance" to do yourself a favor and invest 118 minutes in the original, a great look at Japanese society.
  
  

• A touching, humorous, very human film

  
  By A2EQWI8YKCAYON on 1998-11-25
  "Shall We Dance" is a great film about a typical, aging Japanese "salaryman" searching for a break from his dreary existence. What starts as a fantasy about a dance teacher he sees from the window of his train becomes an actual passion for dancing that changes his outlook on life and his relationships with those around him. I haven't seen the subtitled version, but the original Japanese version is clever, well-paced, and contains just the right dash of humor, especially Takenaka Naoto as the dance-mad coworker. This movie touched off a ballroom dance craze in Japan; whether it can affect Americans the same way is doubtful, but it's still a great little movie for anyone who enjoys foreign films.
  
  

• Shall We DVD?

  
  By on 2003-05-23
  Since this movie is one that I could easily watch over and over, I have been waiting for it to come out on DVD. You don't have to know anything about ballroom dancing to enjoy it; it's simply a story of breaking out of the day-to-day drabness and doing something you love.

  I have several favorite characters in the movie; one is the private detective who's hired by the main character's wife to find out where he's been going at night. The private eye is all business at first, but after tailing his client's husband, he slowly gets drawn into the world of competitive dancing. The other is the shy, overweight, diabetic young man who takes up dancing on his doctor's orders to get some exercise. The scene where he bursts into tears, asking, "Am I really so terrible?" (I forget the exact words) had me in tears myself. The change in this character by the end of the film is amazing.

  It's a cliché, but this is a true "feel good" movie, and proof that you don't have to have sex, profanity, and violence to have an engrossing adult film.
  
  

• Nice movie for all ages - for a nice quiet viewing

  
  By A36GJYPNHNUJSI on 2001-06-07
  No sex, no violence, nothing suggestive...good clean family movie. The story can touch people of all ages because it addresses: boredom in a stable marriage, a suspicious spouse, a teenager embarrassed of her parent, people with "two left feet" who try to learn how to dance, the difference between good teachers and bad teachers, fear of failure, unrequited love (or the secret admirer), family enstrangement, persistence, how one of your office co-workers could be leading a double life, how to handle public embarrassment, and friends who come from unexpected places. The story is well organized, and even if you don't read the subtitles you would have an idea of what's going on. My favorite parts are watching the students go from slowly learning the basic steps, all the way to the beautiful moves and costumes of the competition dances. Shows an interesting perspective of office life in Japan, and also brings the universality of ballroom dancing to all cultures. Quite a few moments of light comic relief in the form of one particular quiet co-worker who afterhours imagines himself as a legendary champion dancer. The film shows that it's never too late to try dancing lessons. Great introduction if the thought of dancing ever crossed you mind. Maybe, you'll take that first step; with this movie at least you understand what to expect if you ever go to a dance studio. Have courage...after watching this movie, you'll KNOW that you could definitely do better than some of the dance students in this charming movie!
  
  

• Don't Bother With the American Version!!!!!

  
  By A2DH5E3ROY2C13 on 2005-02-02
  If you have come upon this page by mistake, when you are actually looking for the American version of this moive, go no further!
  
  While the American version is a pretty good movie, when compared to other American movies (mostly crap), the original (even though it is subtitled) is a far superior movie.
  
  I have only seen a couple of subtitled movies and I have watched Shall We Dance so many times, that I no longer need to read the subtitles - I know the scenes and can simply watch the visual aspect of the movie.
  
  I can only add to the many other 5-star ratings that I found this to be a funny and touching movie and that the story, characters, acting, and technical aspects put this movie in the classic category. Very well done and very enjoyable.
  
  If you haven't seen the Japanese version of Shall We Dance then you haven't seen the movie at all!
  
  
• Superbly charming comedy from Japan, better than Star Wars!
  By A2A1UH69VJD139 on 2000-05-22
  I didn't even like ballroom dancing when I saw this, but after watching it in the cinema, I was hooked. I watched this movie in the cinema with very low expectations and even prepared to walk out, but it was one of the most beautifully scripted and directed films I have ever seen.

  The acting was understated, and sympathised with the constraints of Japanese social culture. This film is a maturer persons 'Dirty Dancing' or 'Strictly Ballroom'. It is a very romantic comedy with truly hilarious scenes and strange characters which few Western actors could emulate.

  Far from walking out, it almost brought a tear to my manly eye (It's a Wonderful Life, and The Sound of Music being the only two other movies to do so).

  Watch this at home with a cup of hot chocolate and any other comfort food, and prepare to be charmed by some quality Japanese cinema (non-violent for a change).
  
  

• Yes, I'd love to "Dance"
  By A1D2C0WDCSHUWZ on 2004-10-16
  Masayuki Suo won over audiences across the world with "Shall We Dance?", a sweet crowd-pleasing dance flick. Despite its serious look at Japanese culture, it's a charming and funny story about a man struggling to inject some sparkle into an unfulfilling life, and the dance that helps him do it.
  
  Shohei Sugiyama (Koji Yakusho) is a successful businessman, with a lovely house, loving wife, and a lovely teen daughter. But though he has everything a person could want, he is unhappy and doesn't even know why. But one day on the way home, he sees a beautiful woman (Tamiyo Kusakari) looking sadly out of a dance studio. He sees her there every day, and eventually he hops out of the train and signs up for dancing lessons.
  
  Since ballroom dancing is frowned on in Japan, Sugiyama keeps his lessons a secret, and it's a bit of a struggle for him to overcome his natural stiffness. Because of his odd hours and the perfume on his shirts, his wife is afraid that he's having an affair, and hires a detective to follow him. But after Mai rejects him, Sugiyama begins to have a love affair -- with ballroom dancing itself.
  
  There's something very sweet and pure about "Shall We Dance?", which you hardly ever see in movies. Not just because of the lack of naughty material in it, but because the story itself has a sweet joy just ingrained into the dancing, the dialogue, and the way Sugiyama drags himself from the doldrums.
  
  In Japan, ballroom dancing is considered kind of embarrassing and seductive, which gives Sugiyama's passion for the dance a "forbidden fruit" quality. But the film doesn't lapse into cliche territory. Sugiyama's affection for the beautiful Mai is based in something more than attraction, since he senses that she is as sad as he is. Their growing relationship is a beautiful thing to watch.
  
  But don't think that it's all dancing and depression. Masayuki Suo gives the film some comic flair with a systems analyst who clearly has fantasies about being a wild-dancing Latin lover. But the director never descends to slapstick or hijinks, preferring to stick to the warm'n'fuzzy brand of comedy. The scripting is solid, with plenty of quotable gems like "Dance is more than the steps. Feel the music and dance for sheer joy." That could have been the tagline for this film.
  
  Koji Yakusyo is entirely lovable as Sugiyama -- you can actually see this everyman getting happier as he gets more and more into his dancing lessons. Ballerina Tamiyo Kusakari plays Mai with sensitivity and depth, managing to convey a wealth of emotion in small gestures. The supporting characters, like the graceless Tanaka and the hysterical Aoki aren't as well fleshed out, but they are lovable.
  
  "Shall We Dance?" is a unique little movie about joie de vivre. It's not a truly great film, but it is a wonderful one that will leave you with a smile on your face.
  
  
• A Dancer's Delight!
  By on 2001-04-16
  Anyone who has ever taken a ballroom dance class will roll with laughter! The ballroom dance experience seems to be a universal one, with the Japanese equivalents of the dance studio characters we all know. The overweight loser who finds happiness in dancing, the geek who has a cool and powerful dance alter ego, the nerd who endlessly drills on the technical steps ("1 and 2 and . . ."), the suave stud who intimidates with his dancing prowress.

  The movie perfectly captures, though, what people (me included) love about social dancing. The protagonist becomes engrossed with his improving dance skills and the joy of dancing. He starts doing what thousands, if not millions, have done before him - he practices his steps while waiting for the train, while working at his desk, even in the office bathroom. Yes, my friends have made fun of me! In the end, we come to realize that technical mastery and public acclaim only go so far - the beauty of a social dance comes from the joy of sharing the dance with another. This movie is an understated delight.
  
  

• Shall we get off our collective butts and make this DVD?
  By on 2003-04-10
  When there are so many crummy films floating around out there, this film dances to the front of the line. I was surprised how much I liked this clever and charming film. It was funny and interesting without belly-sliding through the muck-stained sewers like so many other comedies do. Take a chance on this film. It is worth it. And, BTW, please release it on DVD. Now, please. :)
  
  
• 0 for the DVD release
  By A2CFPF8Z56JRGU on 2005-04-30
  It's pretty insulting that Miramax has had the movie trimmed to 118 minutes for the DVD. "Shall We Dance?" had already been released in the U.S. The American remake made tens of millions of dollars. Fans of the original had to wait for the remake just to see this DVD. And the remake's being advertized in the DVD's only special feature. So the DVD was made to sell two movies. This release was done for synergistic advertizing, and that's it.
  
  As far as I can tell, a wonderful Japanese story has given its all, so to speak, to fill the coffers of its American rights owners. It's been put in the position of having to advertize another film. And still it can't get released in its proper form, at its proper length.
  
  I would love to have a DVD of this gem, but not this DVD. A crassly-made, hacked-up version of the film and not a single relevant, non-remake-shilling special feature? Why bother buying this? At this point, I practically know all the scenes in the original "Shall We Dance?" by heart. Not to mention that the movie has been on cable recently. If it comes on again, my choice seems obvious. Miramax should either change its ways or accept that it has nothing to offer ... and sell the rights to the movie to someone else.
  
  
• Heartwarming, humorous, and uncommon movie experience!
  By on 2003-06-17
  I didn't even want to watch this movie, but after the first seen it had my complete attention. What a wonderful, simple movie about people dealing with their life aspirations, desires, and struggles. The fact that this is not an American movie, and not about America gives it such an innocent, simplistic edge. It will be a shame if this movie doesn't make it to DVD. I would definitely pay to own this DVD.
  
  
• "Shall We Dance?": The Consummate Perfection of Beauty
  By A20VXYT5DL0ZC6 on 2004-02-10
  "Shall We Dance?" is my favorite film of all time! Is that saying too much? No!! I'm a great admirer of Japan and Japanese culture, but I was caught totally unaware when I walked into the theater to see this movie. I ended up coming back 15 times, and was only stopped from seeing it again because the theatrical run ended. Then luckily, the movie came out on LaserDisc(not DVD), so I could watch it in better quality video at home. I also have the VHS for my bedroom VCR. The movie translates very well into home video--probably because it's such a warm and sweet-hearted movie. I can't think of another movie that approaches this one for pure ethereal beauty and pure enjoyment. The music is also so great. I won't give anything away but the music is a big part of the success of this movie, but in a very subtle way. I also love without reservation every actor in the film, and every character. From the beautiful, graceful lovely Mai and elegant Sugiyama-san, to Donny Burns-Latin Champ-impersonator Aoki-san and ballroom terror Toyoko-san, and warm hearted Tamako-sensei, you have to love the entire cast of characters. Also, the cinematography is out of this world, capturing the flow of ballroom excitement and beauty and also wistful scenes of Tokyo at night (make sure you watch the entire sequence of the exquisite closing credits at the end). Director and screenwriter Masayuki Suo deserves an honorary Academy Award for this creation of supreme perfection. I encourage you to go to the Amazon.com DVD page for this film and vote to make it available on disc--(it's a national tragedy that this film is not yet available in digital format). I guarantee you won't be sorry to buy this video, and you'll join the thousands of Americans clamoring for its release on DVD. Here's to discovering a priceless gem, and here's to love!
  
  
• pure, unbridled joy
  By A3F2C3GLN8ICNA on 2004-09-07
  "Shall we dance" starts with a regular middle aged Japanese salary man returning home from work. When his co-workers ask him to spend the night out on the town, he declines. He rides the late train home in a comatose state, like countless other salarymen. With regards to his accounting job, he says, "I neither like it, nor dislike it; It's my job." This is the state the hero, Mr. Sugiyama, starts in - a state of neither like nor dislike, of neither being alive nor dead. Comatose.
  
  But on the ride home, he catches a glimpse of a melancholy, yet beautiful lady staring out the window of a dance studio. He's intruiged by this woman in a strangely platonic way. His fascination isn't sexual, afterall, he is married and has a daugther. Perhaps he feels as though this woman shares his loneliness, or maybe he sees her as a potential savior. Eitherway, the movie leaves these questions to the audience.
  
  Eventually, it leads to ballroom dancing, and very soon Mr. Sugiyama is taking lessons. He, along with his misfit group of classmates, start from the bottom and work their way up, and through ballroom dance, Mr. Sugiyama revitalizes his life.
  
  This movie is about dancing, but it's about so much more. It is a film that could only work in Japan, where things like dancing, along with other public displays of affection, are considered taboo. The characters in this film, from the taciturn Mr. Sugiyama, to his co-worker who walks in straight lines, find freedom in dance. The movie is a romance, but Mr. Sugiyama's affair is not with the beautiful lady in the window, but with the dance that has helped him find meaning in life.
  
  This film is pure joy. Nearly every scene and every sequence leaps with energy. The characters are loveable and we empathize with them, even if they are rude and overly sensitive at times - it makes them human. As Mr. Sugiyama continues his lessons, we see an added spring to his step, a consistent grin on his face. We can't help but smile too.
  
  Eventually, the film leads to some sort of competition, like most dancing films do. But by then, we don't care who wins or who loses; that isn't the point. As we are watching Mr. Sugiyama dance, right down to the last sequence, we realize that the point is recognizing the graceful movements of Mr. Sugiyama compared to the rigidity that plauged him when he started. His dancing is an extension of his life, and as Mr. Sugiyama breaks free from his rigid lifestyle, we break free with him.
  
  
• A very funny yet touching film
  By AXFI7TAWD6H6X on 2005-01-31
  After hearing how the Richard Gere/Jennifer Lopez/Susan Sarandon vehicle (bomb) "Shall We Dance" was a (watered down) version of the Japanese film "Shall We Dansu?", I was awfully curious to see the Japanese film. Over the weekend, I checked the film out from my local library. Now that I have seen the film, I can't imagine seeing the US version.
  
  The premise of the film revolves around a sucessful but bored accountant named Shoshei Sugiyama. One night after cocktails with his co-workers, as he is going home on the train, he looks out the window and notices a pretty, young Japanese woman (Mei Kishikawa) gazing out of a window from a ballroom dance studio. For a couple of nights, he sees her but then he decides to go see about taking dance lessons from her. Shoshei ends up being in a class of beginner ballroom dancers with an eccentric dance instructor. Over the course of the film, Shoshei grows to enjoy ballroom dancing as well as enjoying life itself again.
  
  I enjoyed this cute comedy a lot. The supporting cast was hilarious like the lecherous Tomio Aoki who has a preference for young, pretty dancers for his dance partners. The female dance instructors were pretty funny, namely Toyoko Takahashi who is a big drama queen. The choreography was amazing. The actors and actresses did a splendid job of pulling off the dance moves including the times they had to collide into other dancers. I don't know why the US had to make their own version of this endearing Japanese comedy. I have not seen that version nor will I ever. Nothing will copmare to "Shall We Dansu?". Leave it to the US to ruin another perfectly Japanese film (like they did with Godzilla).
  
  
• Life affirming and joyous
  By A1GALZCXD8FHOR on 2002-11-21
  So rare.

  I sometimes find myself hard pressed to comment on the terrible state of movies today. Unimaginative, depressing, and juvenile - how can they get any worse?

  But then along comes a film like "Shall We Dance". Personally, I would find it hard to believe that anyone could watch this film and not be moved by it. The emotions each player summons from viewers are real and heartfelt. Multi-dimensional and superbly fleshed out, the characters violate their initial appearances as the film unfolds. And the acting is wonderful; the consummate players disappear into their roles.

  That this film is Japanese portends great things for the post-Kurosawa age. An unusual mix of drama and comedy, "Shall We Dance" also has elegance and insights into not only the characters, but also Japanese culture. As a film it succeeds in every way and I assign it to the very short list of best films I have ever seen. My wife would agree.

  Can't wait for the DVD - a must have.
  
  

• Made me smile
  By A1JH5J1KQAUBMP on 2004-11-13
  A tired salaryman (Koji Yakusho), oppressed by the burden of overwork necessary to support his family and pay his mortgage, rekindles his joy for life through dancing lessons and the lovable eccentrics he meets there. The hook that draws him in is a mysterious, beautiful woman (Tamiyo Kusakari) who gazes sadly out the window of the dance studio each evening.
  
  This Japanese film inspired the recent American remake with Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez. That film has its own charms, but this story really works better in its original context. The overworked, suffocating salaryman living his life of quiet desperation is a familiar figure to the Japanese, whose preoccupation with respectability and conformity can weigh heavily on those seeking professional acceptance and success. As his initial attraction to the woman transfers to a genuine love for dance, Yakusho shows us a man who blossoms before our eyes as his renewed confidence and sense of joy begins to improve every aspect of his life, including family and work. Comedian Naoto Takenaka provides a memorable supporting role as the brave, somewhat tragic, and completely spastic Aoki.
  
  
  
• The best movie I've seen for years!
  By AJWWJCUFSQTDR on 2000-04-15
  A couple of weeks ago my girlfriend and I started to learn dancing, as a hobby. Thanks to that, she told me to go to the cinema and watch this japanese movie, that nobody knew it. I was not sure, because I was afraid of watching another non-commercial boring movie. I was so wrong! Thanks to heaven I went to the cinema that night, and I could enjoy the movie as I've never done it for years. The actors are perfect, the story, the humor, and all of it are wonderfull. I can't explain how I felt after seeing the film. I felt like a man who has just watched the best movie in his life, that is the feeling. I was lucky and finally I went to see this movie, although nobody has told me about it. I don't want you to miss this movie just because you think that is another boring foreign film, and nobody has told you that is one of the best movies in the last years. Don't miss it!
  
  
• "Shall We Dansu?"-great story and cast!
  By on 1998-12-23
  This has to be the best Japanese movie I've ever seen and my all time favorite! It's the story of a 40 something year-old salaryman who, after seemingly attaining all his goals in life, a wife and child, a company position with a bright future and a new house, begins to ponder if there's more to life than just the "9 to 5" grind and mortgage payments. During his train rides home from work, he notices a beautiful young woman standing in front of the window of a dance school. What happens after that might seem obvious, but me believe it's not...Even if you don't understand one word of Japanese, the subtitled version, like the touching story are so well written, that you'll want to watch it over and over again. I hope the rumors of this movie coming out in U.S. theatres are true because it's sure to be a hit, until then i'll be waiting for this one on DVD! Aoki-san Gambatte!
  
  
• A quirky satire reminscent of Juzo Itami
  By A29MR5P2R8M3VN on 1999-12-11
  This amusing video tells the story of a Japanese salaryman who lives a very structured life. While riding the train, he spots a beautiful woman through a window working in a ballroom dance school. He decides to sign up for dance lessons and his life begins to take some interesting twists and turns. A well portayed satire on the life of a Japanese salaryman and on the consequences of trying to express ones individuality in Japanese society. The movie is down to earth yet surrealistic, emotional and heartwarming. The genius of this movie is the way that dance was treated as a metaphor for love. The other aspect of this movie was very clever was the way that the Japanese group dynamic was explored. At the beginning of the film, the hero balances his work and homelife; but as the movie progresses, the addition of another peer group causes friction between these groups that is both comedic and tragic.

  I felt that the presence of the detective detracted a bit from the overall storyline, but otherwise, the movie was thouroughly enjoyable from beginning to end.

  I would highly recommend this movie for people who are curious about Japanese lifestyle and enjoy romantic comedies.
  
  

• THREE Thumbs Up
  By on 2002-01-05
  What a charming, irresistible film! I remember the first time I saw Shall We Dance, I was filled with a sense of dread at the prospect of a 2 hour SUBTITLED movie. Reading subtitles is so arduous, I thought; I didn't think I would enjoy a movie that required such concentration and relentless focus. But, much to my pleasant surprise, the movie is so engaging that reading the subtitles soon becomes a subconscious effort. The wonderful story and well-developed characters are completely engrossing. Shall We Dance is an excellent depiction of strong character, loyalty, honor and many other virtures lost in today's Hollywood-produced films. Shall We Dance is clean and delightful; every time I see it, I ponder its refreshing, joyous nature throughout the following day. I rate it as one of my all-time favorite films.
  
  
• Great "feel-good" movie
  By AOLKG8IES3BL6 on 2005-01-27
  I saw this movie with my sister at the theater as a "compromise" between the movie she wanted to see and the one I wanted to see and so we had sort of decided we wouldn't like it, but what a surprise - it's a great movie with interesting, quirky characters, tons of humor. It's both dramatic and light-hearted and addresses the international problems of mid-life crisis and broken dreams. Even if you're one of those persons who complains about sub-titles, you must see this movie, above all, see it before attempting to watch the "Americanized" remake.
  
  
• An Excellent Movie! Why not the complete version?
  By AS1QF2PQ6118W on 2005-05-08
  The original movie merits 5 stars. Unfortunately before it was released in the U.S. market about 18 minutes were cut. This is the same version that was released in theaters and, for most people that is enough. However, if you're a completist and have a region free DVD player I would recommend buying the Japanese version from Amazon Japan. Just click on Japan at the bottom of this page. The Japanese edition also has English subtitles for the movie but not the many extras.
  
  
• I only watched this movie as a class project....
  By on 2002-11-21
  However, as much as I am a young black male who doesn't care about anything less than rap music and R&B, I found this to be one of the best movies I have ever seen. I took a Japanese culture class and was FORCED to watch this movie...mainly because of the subtitles, which turned me off. I loved this movie from beginning to end. Even if you are not a fan of ballroom dancing or Japanese movies, this is one of the most beautiful pictures I have ever watched. I bought this movie from Amazon and I have seen it probably 20 times. I usually show it to a girl on a first date. 19 times out of 20, the girls loved it! The only one really wasn't that intelligent! HA! Truly a triumph of a picture. I advise it to any and everyone!!!
  
  
• Shall we dance? Yes, again and again.
  By A3PHYUU2CFZKBN on 2004-08-01
  This is a review of the Japanese version of "Shall We Dance." This is one of the very best movies I have ever seen. It's good social satire and heartwarming without being dopy. The acting is sensational, and it is often sidesplittingly funny. "Shall We Dance" offers informative satirical insights into modern Japanese culture such as self-conscious shyness, subjugation of the individual to workaholic values, and inflexible gender roles, through a clever screenplay marvelously directed and performed. The script and plot are tight and it is almost impossible to stand outside the story. While the westerner with no experience in Japan will find the movie enjoyable, the depth of the social satire and irony will appeal to anyone who has even a superficial understanding of modern Japanese culture. In my opinion this is the best Japanese film since "A Taxing Woman." It stands shoulder to shoulder with "Tampopo" for its poingnacy and insight into Japan as well as the human condition. It is truly unfortunate that this movie has not been released in DVD format.
  
  
• Certainly an unforgettable, sweet and innocent look at life
  By A2FBIF1FKBC193 on 2004-10-30
  Wouldn't it be wonderfull to be able to escape into a world where no one knows you and you are able to freely express your most secret desires ....
  
  
  The hero in this film actually manages to do just that when after years and years ... day sfter day his subway train appses by a dance studio and he gets to see a young lithe girl standing whistfully at the window looking into the night .... as well hoping for an escape that never comes ...
  
  
  Of course real life intrudes into our hero's dream world as he gently hints to his wife and kids that he likes dancing and wouldn't mind if they all went out to do that ... His family of course see him in a different light and certainly not as a dancer ....
  
  
  OK the movie may depend heavily on Japanese society and conventions, but, if you look below the surface it's just basically a great great movie about everyman and pre-conceived notions ....
  
  
• International Version
  By A23VF0I92YXDQ1 on 2005-04-23
  For years, I've loved this movie, but recently discovered that this version is the "International Version," cut to 118 mins, from it's original 136 min. original version. Apparently, Director Suo was told by Miramax that a foreign movie over two hours wouldn't be popular. :<
  
  Overall, Director Suo has done a wonderful job re-editing this for an international audience, and I like the opening narration much better than the Japanese one.
  
  Although snippets of character interactions have been deleted, it doesn't hurt the film. Also, the American price of $20 for the DVD vs. $45 for the Japanese version doesn't hurt either.
  
  One sore point of the DVD is the lack of any special features, like original movie trailers, or some of the extras on the Japanese disc (a deleted scenes music video, interviews, etc.).
  
  
• Wonderful
  By A1ESTI8SVGYYYG on 2005-10-26
  The movie is wonderfully subtle. The American version just doesn't compare. It has its moments, but it doesn't quite translate all that well. The Japanese version is so much better as it's not a movie about dancing as it is about Japanese mores and the taboo of ballroom dancing. In addition to the other comments made by other customers with regard to the acting, I add a couple of other observations: (a) When Mai (Tamiyo Kusakari) smiles, it lights up the screen. She's acts quite serious throughout the movie, so when she actually does smile, her smile radiates; (b) There's a wonderful scene involving Sugiyama' daughter, Chikage (Ayano Nakamura) to bring her parents closer near the end of the film - very touching.
  
  
• FORGET THE US VERSION! THIS IS THE REAL DEAL!
  By A154RJ8FP9T42N on 2006-03-24
  This is great movie making: subtle, clever, poignant, sweet, exciting and honest. Loved the characters these Japanese actors created! I can't ever recalled being so moved by another foreign movie since I saw Cinema Paradiso. This is the one you'd want in your library...
  
  
• ~One of the BEST!~
  By on 2000-03-18
  I love this movie so much! It's a great movie for anyone to see...not even for a person who loves dancing! After watching this movie..I really want to learn how to ballroom dance! This movie is soo good..however it's in japanese(English subs) but this should not stop anyone. It's a cute romatic comedy that makes you want to see it over and over again. The acting was excellent as well as the plot. I couldn't stop laughing at some times. When the movie ended, I was a little sad because I didn't want the movie to end..it was that good. I haven't seen a single review for this movie below 5 stars..pretty impressive! I don't know what attracted this movie to me at the first place...but I'm very happy that it did! 5 GIGANTIC STARS!
  
  
• donny aoki RULES!
  By A1M440PCMEKQ3Q on 2000-01-26
  When visiting my sister in CT back in '98, my brother-in-law rented this movie, as he is an avid foreign film connoisseur. He had heard this flick was highly recommended, so we were all up for it. My expectations of the film were not particularly high, and boy was I ever wrong! Shall We Dance has everything a movie viewer would ever hope for in a movie .... a great storyline with plenty of comedy and wit. The characters could not have been better casted, especially the irresistible Donny Aoki! I still have visions of his spritzzy hairstyle and his one trick rumba! What a riot!

  Watch this movie .... heck, buy this movie and watch it with a bunch of friends. This is a flick that will be sure to please, and bring non-stop laughs to all. You won't be sorry, even if you hate reading subtitles. After the first half hour or so, you may even forget this is a foreign film.
  
  

• Strictly Ballroom
• Shall We Dance? (Widescreen Edition)
• Mad Hot Ballroom
• Tampopo
• Dance with Me