--- title: "Strictly Ballroom: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/strictly-ballroom/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/strictly-ballroom" critics_score: 76 critics_reviews: 14 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Strictly Ballroom (1992): what the critics said Critics' score 76 from 14 reviews: 13 positive, 0 mixed, 1 negative. ## Radio Times — Alan Jones Rating 5/5. Feel-good movies don't come any better than this exuberant Australian smash hit. It is kitsch and corny but a hilarious, heart-warming romantic comedy drama that is bright, breezy and strictly fabulous. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-0alnkn/strictly-ballroom/) ## The New Yorker — Anthony Lane Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 8 February 1993. The critic describes it as a tall tale of a young smoothy versus the old guard, a triumph of hope over repression with energetic, high-speed direction and charming performances that make the fairy-tale plot work despite its clichés. [Read the review](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1993/02/15/gotta-tango) ## Time Out — GA Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 10 September 2012. Luhrmann's exhilarating debut is a hilarious satire of the ballroom world mixed with a contemporary fairytale romance. It transcends its familiar plot through inventive details, stylish technique, camp theatricality, and affection for its characters, dancing, and music. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/strictly-ballroom) ## Variety — David Stratton Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 14 May 1992. Festival review. The critic calls it a bright, breezy and immensely likable musical comedy and confident debut that is lively, original in an old-fashioned way and charming, with appealing love story and rich vein of humor. [Read the review](https://variety.com/1992/film/reviews/strictly-ballroom-1200429705/) ## The AV Club — Nick Schager Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 20 September 2013. The review highlights how Luhrmann validates his flamboyant style in his debut by mirroring the protagonist's rebellious dance moves with outrageous cinematic choices. It singles out the film's affectionate tribute to narrative clichés and its delirious, convention-bucking finale. [Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/baz-luhrmann-does-his-ostentatious-thing-with-strictly-1798240735) ## The Guardian Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 11 June 2026. The critic calls Baz Luhrmann’s 1992 debut a goofy and lovable feelgood crowdpleaser that remains a dizzy swirl of fun, noting its influence on Strictly Come Dancing through its ugly-duckling romance and rehearsal-to-performance template. They highlight the passionate, rhythm-driven dance sequences and the joyful energy of the leads as standout elements. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/jun/11/strictly-ballroom-review-baz-luhrmann-reissue) ## Empire — Mark Salisbury Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 1 January 2000. Baz Luhrmann's vibrant debut is an offbeat, hilarious fairy tale of a Cinderella story with Aussie soap brashness and charm; the director shows a light, irreverent touch and elicits strong performances from the cast. It may be fluff, but highly entertaining fluff. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/strictly-ballroom-review/) ## RogerEbert.com — Roger Ebert Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 26 February 1993. The critic praises the film's exuberance and the sense of madness in its portrayal of the competitive ballroom dancing world. He singles out the characters' insular obsession with dance and rules as a source of both comedy and insight into fear of change. [Read the review](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/strictly-ballroom-1993) ## The Independent Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 15 October 1992. The critic finds Strictly Ballroom a cheerful, rowdy comedy that flaunts its clichés rather than lapsing into them, thanks to Luhrmann's manic technique and comic spirit. It has the engaging air of amateur dramatics and a romantic heart beneath the sequins. [Read the review](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/film-can-t-stop-the-music-strictly-ballroom-pg-baz-luhrmann-aus-thunderheart-15-michael-apted-us-1557641.html) ## The New York Times — Janet Maslin Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 26 September 1992. Festival review. The critic calls it pure corn overlaid with a buoyant veneer of spangles, marabou and tireless fun, praising the enjoyably hokey story told with flair and the plausible central love story between the leads. [Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/1992/09/26/movies/review-film-festival-love-in-a-dance-palace-cinderella-wins-prince.html) ## Slant Magazine — Chris Cabin Fi1m's normalised score 40/100 (inferred from the text). 7 June 2013. The critic views the film as thematically shallow and self-serving in its portrayal of artistic rebellion against a rigged system, criticizing Luhrmann's cynical focus on victimhood and vanity even in this early work. The Blu-ray transfer and extras receive praise for strong visuals, audio, and relevant bonus features. [Read the review](https://www.slantmagazine.com/dvd/strictly-ballroom/) ## Collider — Jeremy Urquhart Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 8 October 2024. The critic calls it a solid proof-of-concept for Luhrmann’s flashy, in-your-face style and a charming romantic comedy that impressively showcases his theatrical approach despite a smaller scale. [Read the review](https://collider.com/baz-luhrmann-movies-maximalist-ranked/) ## Eye for Film — Angus Wolfe Murray Rating *****. 25 October 2001. The critic praises Luhrmann's exuberant mix of pastiche and satire that attacks snobbery in the ballroom world. Performances by Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice stand out for their conviction and skill. [Read the review](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/strictly-ballroom-film-review-by-angus-wolfe-murray) ## /Film — Mike Shutt Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 2 October 2023. The critic praises Luhrmann's debut for arriving fully formed, highlighting its rule-breaking spirit and thrilling dance sequences as a perfect introduction to his style. He notes it's not perfect but an impressive calling card. [Read the review](https://www.slashfilm.com/1402474/baz-luhrmann-movies-ranked/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/strictly-ballroom.md