This is a pleasant, but overrated, film. I'd wanted to see it for a few years. I got the character and acting performances I'd hoped for, but the writing, and to be more picky, use of sound, leave it a lesser film than it could be.
To be sure, this is a pleasant, mostly clean, and likable film. Its basic plot within the maleness of Japanese culture is a definite hook: the secure, middle-aged nice guy is drawn to a fetching face in a dance studio that his quiet person would never normally consider. He encounters that face, along with a few stereotypical, but fun, "losers." Meanwhile, equally likable Mom and daughter long to see him happier. The movie is photographed well, if paced a bit slowly.
But perhaps a comparison is in order. "Pretty Woman" isn't the likes of "Citizen Kane," but it does well what it's supposed to do: create a light-hearted reality in which we come to care about the characters. Some great acting--and good writing--drive that home. This is what "Shall We Dansu" should do. Instead, it creates some very serious concerns on the viewer's part, taking you away from the fun that should be the film's bottom line. For example, the wife character and the issue of infidelity are treated seriously enough to leave you talking to the screen: "What about this," and, "What about that?!" But the film clearly isn't such a message piece. Also, when certain meeting of the hearts take place, with potentially serious ramifications, there isn't adequate resolution. Finally, the fun that does exist is mostly "hit-and-run," with only momentary giggles that could be fun on a grander scale. Considering the characters and acting involved, that is a shame.
The use of sound is distracting. Though the music in a dance film can certainly be given liberties to roam, some choices here are just odd or undercut the humor and romance that could be achieved. In addition, some of the music and background sound are so low as to take the viewer right out of the atmosphere of a scene--think dance hall with live music at a level that's little more than the hum-drum of an office. Also think of humorous music and sound effects from romantic comedies you've loved--perhaps enhancing a facial expression or an embarrassing moment--and then think about them without those clever twists. That's what you have here.
In the end, this is a movie you want to love with characters and actors you can embrace--and you can, but only to a point. And that's what leaves it frustratingly short of its potential.
To be sure, this is a pleasant, mostly clean, and likable film. Its basic plot within the maleness of Japanese culture is a definite hook: the secure, middle-aged nice guy is drawn to a fetching face in a dance studio that his quiet person would never normally consider. He encounters that face, along with a few stereotypical, but fun, "losers." Meanwhile, equally likable Mom and daughter long to see him happier. The movie is photographed well, if paced a bit slowly.
But perhaps a comparison is in order. "Pretty Woman" isn't the likes of "Citizen Kane," but it does well what it's supposed to do: create a light-hearted reality in which we come to care about the characters. Some great acting--and good writing--drive that home. This is what "Shall We Dansu" should do. Instead, it creates some very serious concerns on the viewer's part, taking you away from the fun that should be the film's bottom line. For example, the wife character and the issue of infidelity are treated seriously enough to leave you talking to the screen: "What about this," and, "What about that?!" But the film clearly isn't such a message piece. Also, when certain meeting of the hearts take place, with potentially serious ramifications, there isn't adequate resolution. Finally, the fun that does exist is mostly "hit-and-run," with only momentary giggles that could be fun on a grander scale. Considering the characters and acting involved, that is a shame.
The use of sound is distracting. Though the music in a dance film can certainly be given liberties to roam, some choices here are just odd or undercut the humor and romance that could be achieved. In addition, some of the music and background sound are so low as to take the viewer right out of the atmosphere of a scene--think dance hall with live music at a level that's little more than the hum-drum of an office. Also think of humorous music and sound effects from romantic comedies you've loved--perhaps enhancing a facial expression or an embarrassing moment--and then think about them without those clever twists. That's what you have here.
In the end, this is a movie you want to love with characters and actors you can embrace--and you can, but only to a point. And that's what leaves it frustratingly short of its potential.