This review may contain spoilers
truly stunning
I got curious when 10DANCE popped up in Netflix’s New & Hot section and hit “Remind Me” more out of interest than excitement. I wasn’t even sure it would be my kind of film. Still, I’ve always thought Keita Machida is a reliable performer (yes, Kurosawa from Cherry Magic), so I trusted the acting would at least be solid. A few days after release, I finally pressed play—and honestly, I didn’t expect it to surprise me this much, let alone in such a good way.10DANCE is a 2025 Japanese romantic drama that adapts Inouesatoh’s BL manga into a sleek, atmospheric film set in the competitive world of professional dance. It follows two elite dancers with the same first name but wildly different styles. Ryoma Takeuchi plays Shinya Suzuki, Japan’s fiery Latin dance champion, while Keita Machida is Shinya Sugiki, a polished and exacting master of Standard ballroom. Because they dominate different disciplines, they’ve never directly competed, yet a quiet rivalry has always lingered. When Sugiki suggests they train each other and aim for the gruelling 10-Dance competition, Suzuki reluctantly agrees—and that’s when friction slowly turns into respect, connection, and something deeper.
What immediately charmed me was the symmetry of it all: two Shinyas, two disciplines, two ways of moving through the world. If you’re even remotely interested in dance, this film is a treat. It dives into technique, discipline, and the psychological pressure of competitive ballroom with surprising detail and authenticity. I was genuinely impressed by how real it felt. Ryoma brings intensity and physical confidence to Suzuki, but Keita absolutely stunned me. His movement is elegant, controlled, and fluid, with impeccable posture and clean lines that make every step look effortless.
The romance is a slow burn, but I didn’t mind at all. I got so absorbed in the dancing and the push-and-pull between Sugiki and Suzuki that the gradual pace felt intentional rather than frustrating. During training, it’s mostly just the two of them, and the tension simmers beneath every movement. There’s a constant undercurrent of competitive flirtation—subtle, restrained, and quietly charged. It’s understated, yes, but that restraint is part of the appeal.
The performances are a huge strength. When the two Shinyas train together, you can feel the tension through the screen. Their contrasting styles—Sugiki’s controlled elegance versus Suzuki’s expressive Latin flair—create something visually stunning. The chemistry is undeniable, and every movement feels precise and purposeful. The production backs this up beautifully: the cinematography captures the dances with grace, and the music perfectly matches each mood, whether it’s slow and sensual or sharp and driving.
The supporting characters, especially the female dance partners, mostly observe from the sidelines. Aki, in particular, becomes an emotional anchor, gently recognising Suzuki’s feelings before he’s ready to admit them himself. While I did wish the women had been given a bit more narrative weight, the performances themselves were strong and grounded.
What really elevates 10DANCE is how it celebrates the human form and movement without relying on explicitness. The dialogue is playful and provocative at times, but it’s always tied to character and discipline. Suzuki lives and breathes Latin dance, while Sugiki embodies the structure and tradition of ballroom. Watching those worlds collide and slowly merge is where the film truly comes alive.
Visually, the film is gorgeous from the opening credits. The mix of music styles, poetic dialogue, and manga-inspired flair gives it a stylish, almost noir-like atmosphere. It’s sensual without being excessive, polished but never cold. There’s a richness to the mood—colours, textures, rhythm—that pulls you in completely.
I’ll admit, the ending left me slightly confused. The film sets up the 10-Dance competition as the goal, yet we ultimately find ourselves at the Asian Cup ballroom championship instead. That shift felt a little unclear. Still, the final dance sequence more than makes up for it. It’s mesmerising. Keita Machida, in particular, completely blew me away, and I found myself lost in the movement and emotion of that closing medley.
In the end, 10DANCE is a classy, immersive film that goes beyond romance. It’s about discipline versus freedom, structure versus passion, and how growth often comes from allowing yourself to change. The chemistry between the leads is visceral, the dance sequences are breathtaking, and the emotional journey lingers long after the credits roll. Even with a few narrative hiccups, this film stayed with me—and that, to me, says everything.
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Had My Attention From Start To Finish
The quiet intensity was palpable. Every movement, gaze, longing appreciation they had for each other left me breathless. 10/10. I wouldn't change a moment of this film. Both Ryoma Takeuchi and Keita Machida embodied their characters to perfection. They are complete opposites but had a secret admiration for each other. From rivals, to conpetitors to lovers.Was this review helpful to you?
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
THIS IS THE BEST F*CKING MOVIE I HAVE EVER WATCHED, GIVE ME MORE RIGHT NOWWWWThe tension, the dancing, the acting, the constant push and pull between them ooohhhh myyyy godddddddddddddd.
I need the second movie right now or I am going to explode
The only anger I have is the full story isn't out yet and I have to wait. i am of course angry at him for him saying that to our guy, but seeing the smile on his face at the end made me happy. He's gonna have to do a lot more to make me feel that he is deserving of our main characters love, but i feel in the second movie we'll get there. I am excited to see where this goes. Out of all things I wanted of this movie was to see them dance together and I am so happy to have seen that. I hope they compete as eachothers dance partners, because the chemistry is insane. Also I am suprised that no one gasped or said anything about them when they were in the circle at the end, I was a little overwhemed at their public display of affection and underwhelmed at the publics reaction, it's like no one was watching them lol.
and you know I love how there isn't drama about each other being men, they just feel the chemistry and are possessed by it.
So if your wondering, yes, the hype is ABSOLUTELY justified, and if you don't agree you can talk to a wall.
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Literally unforgettable
I’ll keep this short so I don’t wonder off but let’s start with the beginning although it was quiet a short introduction of the characters throughout the 2hrs we truly get to know them well and I enjoyed that. The lore is deep and it’s real it’s not perfect and I love it. I feel like these characters made to be polar opposites are so alike in so many ways outside of their world of dance. I love how dancing made them fall in love because I felt the tension bouncing off my screen while watching them dance together, they truly compliment each other when dancing even in their own versions (Latin & ballroom). Overall I was on my toes through out the whole movie never a dull moment, can’t wait for a sequel 🥹🫰Was this review helpful to you?
You’re Seriously Missing out if you don't watch this movie
It was an amazing movie—hands down one of the best films I’ve watched this year. From start to finish, it completely pulled me in. The acting felt natural and believable, and the chemistry between the leads was strong and emotional.What truly stood out, though, was the dance. The way they move is absolutely beautiful—smooth, powerful, and full of feeling. Every performance felt intentional and expressive, not just choreography but storytelling through movement.
The movie blends romance, passion, and art in a way that feels genuine and inspiring. If you love dance movies or stories that focus on connection, growth, and emotion, this is definitely worth watching. Highly recommended.
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Yes, please!
I am so utterly satisfied with this movie, i’m genuinely in awe still even after finishing it.I’ve been excited for it since I saw the movie’s trailer… And my god, the movie was worth the wait.
The dancing, the chemistry, the acting, the outfits, everything! I thought it might turn out to be boring since it was about professional dancing, but my god I was proven wrong!! Every dancing sequence or scene was utterly mesmerising. It felt like I was hypnotised- to the point where I wanted to get up myself and start dancing.
The chemistry between the two main actors was butterfly-inducing. Their chemistry is definitely there and you could sense the tension, longing, yearning, acceptance, defeat, realisation all at once. It wasn’t explicit, yet it also wasn’t shy. Their love story grew subtly yet visibly, their fondness of each other was vivid and wonderful to witness.
The last few moments of the movie had me worried it might end up being sad but I was happily proved wrong. It was wonderful to watch their story unfold, even though I’m the type who usually enjoys more intimate scenes when it comes to movies like these, I can say that I was satisfied with what I was given. Once again, the chemistry was definitely there. I enjoyed every moment of this movie.
A really good watch!
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This was definitely a welcome surprise
I've never written a review before but this movie made me want to do it. I felt like I needed to express how I felt about it.I'm not new to one of the actors, obviously I've seen him in Cherry Magic, but I went into this movie thinking it would be a sexy tale about male dancers and then discovered he was in it. Yet it was not that. I mean it was erotic, but not explicit in any way. The movie is all about tension, about the drive that each of the characters has to dance. One loves to compete, the other loves to dance... one is rigid but caring, the other is carefree but selfish... it's all about how the two leads compliment each other.
Don't go into this expecting your usual bl, the production and dedication given to this movie go far beyond that. Truthfully speaking it didn't feel like bl, it wasn't about this two men's love story, but about their love for dancing and how they found in each other the drive to keep going. Is it a love story? Yes, to some extent, the tension is there and you expect them to act on their feelings. But the entire time I wanted them to enjoy dancing on all those stages, I wanted to see them thrive while dancing and that was what truly made me love the movie, seeing the leads evolve as people and as dancers.
I have only praise for this fantastic movie, from the music to the photography, the costume design, the production value, the sets, and especially the acting and chemistry. Everything was top notch. The dance sequences were never boring, it was pure spectacle, so I have nothing but praise for it.
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This review may contain spoilers
Two sides of the same obsession
Poise VS PassionSuguki must be in control of every aspect of his partner. Suzuki lives for the unbridled joy of dancing.
At first meeting, they clash together in a discordant mess of melody until they learn the tempo of each other and create a symphony beyond what either could achieve alone.
Tense and sensual, heart-racing and breath-taking.
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When Words Fall Silent, Dance Speaks
10Dance is one of those rare films that feels less like something you simply watch and more like something you experience. I am genuinely astonished by how beautifully this movie was made, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Everything about it is executed with such care and intention, from the cinematography to the acting, from the music to the chemistry, from the tension to the yearning, to absolutely everything in between. It is easily the best thing I’ve seen in a good while, and I am more than happy to have rated it a 9, a number I don’t give lightly these days. Modern entertainment often forgets how to truly entertain, but this film had my full attention for the entire two hours, never once letting go. What made this experience even more special for me was the mention and representation of Cuba. Being born there, it genuinely moved me to see it acknowledged so naturally and respectfully, adding a deeply personal layer to an already powerful film. The elegance of 10Dance is undeniable. It is sophisticated, graceful, and breathtakingly beautiful. Every dance scene felt like poetry in motion, like swans gliding across water or flowers swaying gently in the breeze. Even without words, the dances spoke volumes.The acting was phenomenal. I felt everything. The chemistry between the leads was intense yet restrained, built almost entirely on silent yearning. Even without overt physicality, the desire between them was loud, conveyed through lingering eye contact, subtle expressions, and, of course, dance itself. Their connection felt raw and genuine, and the tension was exquisite.
And the cinematography, truly outstanding. I haven’t seen lighting and shot composition this good in quite some time. Every scene felt intentional, almost painterly, as if each frame could stand on its own as a work of art. Visually, this film is a feast.
The only reason I didn’t give it a 9.5 or a perfect 10 is the ending. I wanted more. I wanted to see what came next, to explore their future, their relationship, and how love would coexist with their careers. It left me craving a sequel, or even an entire series, just to stay in their world a little longer. Still, that longing almost feels intentional, fitting for a story built on yearning.
At its core, 10Dance is more art piece than conventional film. Some viewers criticize its quiet nature or its lack of dialogue, claiming the dances exist to cover what isn’t said. But that is precisely the point. In this story, words are secondary. Dance is the language. It is how these characters communicate, connect, and reveal themselves. If you can’t understand that, then perhaps this film simply isn’t for you. But I understood it, and I loved it. This movie is a true masterpiece, and it reminds me of "You Make Me Dance", though elevated to an entirely different level. I recommend both wholeheartedly. There isn’t much else to say, because when I say this film is pure gold, I truly mean it. Go watch it.
Overall 9/10
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Bright Potentional, Disappointing Outcome
If I were to rate on acting performance alone, this movie would be a 10. The subtle expressions, the tension, those the two actors pull off greatly. It is a shame it came with a lesser script. The relationship has no depth, and no other storyline gets it either. The kiss comes out of nowhere, followed by an unseen, ambiguous relationship, to then an abrupt separation. Only for a reunion to come out of nowhere. It feels like a puzzle with only the center pieces put in place, you still see a pretty picture, but it is incomplete.Was this review helpful to you?
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PEAK!!!
10Dance is an amazing film, and the hype for it has been crazy, which I am always glad to see, but... I feel as if we should have had a bit more romance. From the reviews I have read, many people have said the same thing about expecting a much sexier, steamier film that incorporates love and passion through the dancing from what the trailers had shown us. Honestly, as someone who read the manga first, I was a little disappointed to see that there were little to no kisses while watching this. Of course, I'm not trying to say that it completely diminishes the story as a whole, but there's a lot more that could have been done when it comes to the romance, in my opinion. Otherwise, this movie, from its cinematography, acting, sets, and music, is perfect. I am a Machida Keita STAN, and I was so happy to see him cast in this movie alongside Takeuchi Ryoma, whom I had only recently first heard of from watching the drama "Then You Try Making It!" My final thought is that I hope they plan to give us a sequel in the near future, whether it's another movie or a series, and I will be obsessing over this for the next three months, lol.Was this review helpful to you?
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A must-watch movie
This is the one of the best movies I've watched this year. Before watching, I read some posts on X (Twitter) about the two characters backgrounds in manga, so it was somewhat easier for me to understand the story.If you feel like the main characters' plot was lacking scenes, just look at Sugiki's eyes!!! His eyes tell the whole story if you look at them properly. Keita Machida (Sugiki Shinya) portrayed his role perfectly. He has the the perfect gentleman aura all girls fall for. (Not to mention he's my most favorite character here). Takeuchi Ryoma (Suzuki Shinya) is also the same. Both of their eyes always perfectly showed all the emotions throughout the movie. I repeat this again, please focus on their eyes!
I couldn't take my eyes off for a second while watching the movie. As a previous dancer myself, this reignited my passion for dancing. That's why I loved every second of this. The dancing scenes were never boring to me. The scenarios, lighting, everything was perfect.
My only disappointment is the ending. You can't just end it like that. The title is 10Dance, yet the 10Dance competition didn't even start in this movie. I really hope they'll release a part 2 in a few years.
Also I wonder how Suzuki and Sugiki could participate in the competition together in the future. All the competitions showed here had male×female partners, so I'm wondering whether they could participate as partners. If I got it right, in the last scene they perform together because it's only a demonstration. Maybe they'll change the rules. I only reduced the rewatching value because the story isn't completed yet.
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