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This review may contain spoilers
Engaging production of love and dance
This lived up to the expectation of two polar opposites falling in love in the world of dance. One fiery, bold and full of passion on and off the dance floor. The other elegant, polished and a perfectionist. Visually and tempermentally contrasting, they fought to find the balance. What one lacked the other supplied in movement style and execution. They sharpened each other whilst falling in love. Sugiki and Suzuki were well matched but never equals.
They commanded the screen. Every frame held my attention from the moment it began to the end. The storyline was as expected and then it wasn't. They both admired each other for their technique and style. Being drawn to one another reached a head on the train. That scene was artistically and beautifully done. Previous hesitations, gave way to honesty. It is within this honesty, that Suzuki pushes and prods to get more of him. Sugiki opens the doors for him to reach to greater heights. Their love is apparent in every action. Their love language - dance. The final scene was as I hoped it would be. Previously, Sugiki rejected a night with Suzuki acknowledging they could never be one. In the final scene, in front of the entire Japanese Dance competition, Sugiki proved his love. He chose Suzuki as his dance partner. Unwilling to face the hurt of seeing Sugiki dance with his partner, Suzuki's back was turned. Then he heard him. Shocked, hesitating for a brief moment, he reaches for the outstretched hand and follows. At the end, uncontrolled, Suzuki kisses him. He responds. His parting words give Suzuki the clarity he needs. He smiles.
I loved the entire production. Machida and Takeuchi filled it admirably. My only drawbacks were that even in the heated part of their relationship, it still felt a bit clinical. Reserved. The kiss on the train did not up the pace in their interractions at it still felt restrained. There was no hunger from Sugiki. If this was a parallel love, where was Suzuki's voice? I'm hoping there is another part that would place them head to head and equals. Also, the backdrop for the Cuban style community was admirably done but it lacked a bit of credibility.
Final take, this was worth the wait and the watch.
They commanded the screen. Every frame held my attention from the moment it began to the end. The storyline was as expected and then it wasn't. They both admired each other for their technique and style. Being drawn to one another reached a head on the train. That scene was artistically and beautifully done. Previous hesitations, gave way to honesty. It is within this honesty, that Suzuki pushes and prods to get more of him. Sugiki opens the doors for him to reach to greater heights. Their love is apparent in every action. Their love language - dance. The final scene was as I hoped it would be. Previously, Sugiki rejected a night with Suzuki acknowledging they could never be one. In the final scene, in front of the entire Japanese Dance competition, Sugiki proved his love. He chose Suzuki as his dance partner. Unwilling to face the hurt of seeing Sugiki dance with his partner, Suzuki's back was turned. Then he heard him. Shocked, hesitating for a brief moment, he reaches for the outstretched hand and follows. At the end, uncontrolled, Suzuki kisses him. He responds. His parting words give Suzuki the clarity he needs. He smiles.
I loved the entire production. Machida and Takeuchi filled it admirably. My only drawbacks were that even in the heated part of their relationship, it still felt a bit clinical. Reserved. The kiss on the train did not up the pace in their interractions at it still felt restrained. There was no hunger from Sugiki. If this was a parallel love, where was Suzuki's voice? I'm hoping there is another part that would place them head to head and equals. Also, the backdrop for the Cuban style community was admirably done but it lacked a bit of credibility.
Final take, this was worth the wait and the watch.
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