A sensible and timeless story of the heart.

Rating: 7/10 (19 February 2006)

Every year, there are dozens of films made that try so hard to reach a little deeper, to hold on a little tighter, and to leave us breathless. Every year there's either one good one or (most often) none at all. This film was the exception. From the opening moment of getting to know this main character, we get the instant feel that is portrayed throughout the entire film- a feeling of real life. This movie is brilliant simply because it is so believable, and so filled with love. It grabs you from start to finish and never lets you go. It is a story about real life, and the beauty that it holds. It is a sensible and decent story that provides a look into what our lives could and should really become.
This is the story of a man searching for a meaning throughout the film, only to realize that his meaning has been right in front of his eyes the whole time. An ensemble film at heart, this is one of the greatest casts I've seen in years. Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, and Jennifer Lopez all turn in fantastic lead performances, and share the screen well together. It's the supporting cast that really makes the movie, thoug, Stanley Tucci and Lisa Ann Walter stick out in particular as two dancers made for each other. Both actors are quickly making their way to my favorites list. The entire cast puts in superb work.
Yes, it's a story about life as we all can live it. As Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez dance in the dark studio alone at night, you worry, for a split second, that the film will slip into the old and used form of movies- but it stays better. Because life is not a fairy tale and it's not a passionate romance- but if we learn to appreciate what we already have around us, we can, in essence, find the fairy tale in our own lives. And that's what makes this movie so great. It teaches us to appreciate and love the beauty of our own lives, and it's a lesson we can all learn. 9/10 stars!!!