A delightful film with a perfect cast

Rating: 10/10 (30 May 2006)

Rarely does one see an American version of a foreign film that is as satisfying as "Shall We Dance", perhaps it's because it's possible to identify with virtually every character in the film at some level. Richard Gere is persuasive as a professional man having a mid-life crisis and charming in his shyness as he decides to learn ballroom dancing; Susan Sarandon is perfect as his first oblivious, then perplexed, wife, and Jennifer Lopez is very fine as the dance instructor at Miss Mitzi's. The tango scene between Gere and Lopez is glorious, and the waltzes are elegant. The film's supporting characters are as talented and noteworthy as the leads. "Shall We Dance" is one of the rare contemporary films that makes one want to see it again -- and to take up ballroom dancing.