Movie Review: Shall we Dance (2004)

Screenplay by Masayuki Suo (1997), Audrey Wells (2004)
Directed by Peter Chelsom
Starring Jennifer Lopez, Richard Gere

I rented this movie because my dance teacher from Edmonton is in it. There are a few scenes with him and his partner in it! They're extras, but they dance into Richard Gere during the standard competition. =)

Thematically, this is quite a successful film. It's about finding meaning in one's life, day by day by slow day.

There are a few lines that are good. Such as the opening lines, which set up the thematic premise of the movie. Richard Gere narrates those lines (if someone can find them for me, i'd really appreciate it). Later on, Susan Sarandon delivers the lines about the purpose of marriage. "Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not go un-witnessed because I will be your witness." Therefore, to make one’s life worthwhile, it must be noticed, witnessed. Is that sad? What if your witness dies? Or develops Alzheimer’s?

But when it comes to character portrayal and development, the movie is quite lacking. Jennifer Lopez’s character is uptight--not enough history is given her, and not enough time for her character to transition out of that history. She explains herself in a final letter (sob sob), as a simple and quick relief to her character. Her character could have been given more.

Overall, it's still an enjoyable film. There are a few lose ends that really could have been trimmed (e.g. Bobby fainting, Daughter being bratty, Son inviting Dad to go clubbing, actually J.Lo's sadness could be cut too, or improved). The minor characters, especially Link and Bobby are really adorable caricatures.