Strictly Ballroom (1992)

Australia 94m, Colour
Director: Baz Luhrmann; Cast: Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice, Bill Hunter, Gia Carides

Strictly Ballroom is one of the funniest and most visually creative romantic comedies ever made. In the distinctive Luhrmann style, the outstanding cast provides unforgettable performances clad in spectacular costumes to a wonderfully energetic selection of popular music. The story follows Scott Hastings, a young prodigy of Australian ballroom dancing – whose entire life has been leading up to the Pan-Pacific Grand Prix competition. While following his heart, Scott’s fondness for innovative dance moves is seen as a threat to the integrity of the Australian Dancing Federation by its indomitable chairman Barry Fife. After losing his regular dance partner, Scott finds a replacement and a love interest in Fran who undergoes a classic “ugly duckling” transformation to emerge as Scott’s unlikely dance partner (Klaus Ming June 2010).