Strictly Ballroom (1992)

Feel-good movies don't come any better than this exuberant Australian smash hit, an ideal pick-me-up that is bright, breezy and strictly fabulous from sequined start to feathered finish.

Luhrmann's exhilarating debut transcends its familiar plot through inventive details, a balanced blend of cinematic technique and camp theatricality, and affection for the characters, dancing and music. The film's enormous charm is acknowledged with a winning, ironic wink.

The critic calls Luhrmann’s 1992 debut a goofy, lovable feelgood crowdpleaser and a classic ugly-duckling tale that remains a dizzy swirl of fun. They single out the film’s pairing of the brilliant dancer and the gutsy ingenue as the template it laid down for Strictly Come Dancing.

The film flaunts its hackneyed cliches with a rowdy, knockabout comic spirit that makes them enjoyable again. Luhrmann's manic technique and awareness of the passion in ballroom dancing add to its agreeable amateur-dramatic charm.

Baz Luhrmann's vibrant tale of a rebel dancer and his unlikely partner is a fairy-tale Cinderella story with brash Aussie charm and superior comedic performances. Fluff it may be, but an entertaining and engaging one.

The critic praises the film's exuberant take on the familiar underdog story set in the bizarre world of Australian competitive ballroom dancing. He singles out the sense of mania and the characters' obsessive insularity for praise.

The critic describes the film as a tall tale of youth versus the old guard that sells a fairy tale under glitz but avoids sentimentality through its humor and energy. He singles out the hero's performance and the director's bravado for praise.

The critic calls the film pure corn overlaid with buoyant spangles and fun, noting its hokey but enjoyable story told with flair. She singles out the central love story's predictability played earnestly for praise while acknowledging its silliness.

The critic finds the film a bright, breezy and immensely likable musical comedy that is lively, original in an old-fashioned way, and charming. He singles out the talented newcomers in the lead roles and the rich vein of humor for praise, while noting minor flaws in plotting and stereotyping.

The critic praises Baz Luhrmann's satirical romp that attacks ballroom snobbery with jokes and innovative dance steps. He singles out the convincing lead performances by Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice for particular praise.