Interesting remake considering cultural differences

Rating: Null/10 (25 October 2004)

The tension in the original Japanese story -- husbands and wives dancing in public considered scandlous -- is missing in Richard Gene/Jennifer Lopez version. Still the essence of the story, people looking for a zest for life most of us are missing, comes through even though our attitudes toward ballroom dancing are so different from the characters in the Japanese version. Dance scenes showed passion, humor and athleticism. Tucci shows us another facet of his talent, and while he doesn't portray the closet dancer character as flaky as the Japanese counterpart, he is convincing, showing us how much he'd like to be something he isn't allowed to be in the "real" world. He is courageous in his "coming out. This is a delightful confection and leaves you feeling satisfied.