Dance of the Dragon (2008)

the audience applauded

Simply Perfect

Absolutely brilliant

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

This movie is the story about a man that is passionate about dancing and it's basically his dream to be a ballroom dancer. The director picked a good actor for this role which is Jang Hyuk who is an actor that is passionate no matter what role he takes. And it really shows in this with his dancing and all. I am not a fanatic when it comes to these types of dancing but the build up is good enough to make me care about the protagonist and what he is going through. Especially since his character is very peaceful one. The main plot of this movie revolves around the protagonist named Tay Kwan...Glad there is no "Do" at the end and his relationship with father and his female dancing instructor who is also passionate about dancing. And also bonds with through dancing. But a bit of a conflict comes in when the dancing instructor's ex-boyfriend gets in the picture, although he isn't a real bad guy, he is forceful, aggressive and a bit of a bully. And the character is played by Jason Scott Lee which is another great choice because he brings this presence of masculinity and charisma to make him somewhat likable. Even if his character has a forceful exterior he can be a wuss. Since I believe if a man loves somewhat he should try to win her heart even if there is competitors after that person as well. Instead of trying to bully or try to get rid of the competitors. But that is my thought anyways. Also Tay has a difficult time accomplishing his dream because of financial reasons. Jang Hyuk still slightly speaks English with a bit of Korean accent like in "Please Teach Me English" except not as bad. But because of his circumstance in the movie, it makes it work. This is a good romantic dance movies that has to do with the passion of dancing and a bit of rivalry even if the build up is a bit slow at times. It's a well made movie with some good build up that shows the distance some people would go even if they have to risk a lot to accomplish their dream.7.2/10

I saw this film yesterday at the cineleasure in Singapore with my whole family to a totally full cinema and my family and the whole audience loved it. This was the second time I had seen the film and I actually appreciated the story and the performances even more on second viewing. The film is beautifully shot and the actors put in a very believable performance. There are many really well crafted scenes especially the scene with Jason Scott Lee being attacked intercut with Jang Hyuk dancing very well done... The film is not an action film but a really well developed emotional drama, with dancing and a martial arts pattern duel which I had never seen before. Very well made film.

Dance of the Dragon is a beautifully-shot film with great performances especially from the leads, Jang Hyuk, Fann Wong and Jason Scott Lee. The story could have been more tightly edited, and more realistic locales could have been used, but generally the film is lensed well with strong characterization. Dialogue bordered on the cheesy/hokey at times though - it could be improved. The soundtrack bordered on the dramatic and could have been rendered more subtly. But generally, what blew me away was the strength of the film through the performances of the cast. They raised the film to a level unprecedented for an international cast and crew. Jang and Fann should see success if this film travels.

I love dance films, but this is not just a dance film, it is a emotional roller coaster, I loved the cast in this film, so fresh and real. Every scene was like a Hollywood big screen movie. And I loved the end song Hero by enrique. I wanted to get up and dance in the cinema. I went with a group of girl friends and we were singing the song all the way home. By the end of the film the characters had been through so much you cannot help but rejoice at the end. A real feel good ending after an extremely well made drama. Going to see it again with my parents on the weekend. Must buy the soundtrack, great composition.