Shall We Dance? (1996)

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Writer / Director: Masayuki Suo

Stars: Koji Yakusho, Tamiyo Kusakari, Naoto Takenaka, Eri Watanabe, Yu Tokui, Hiromasa Taguchi, Reiko Kusamura, Hideko Hara, Hiroshi Miyasaka



A tired salaryman (Koji Yakusho), oppressed by the burden of overwork necessary to support his family and pay his mortgage, rekindles his joy for life through dancing lessons and the lovable eccentrics he meets there. 



The hook that draws him in is a mysterious, beautiful woman (Tamiyo Kusakari) who gazes sadly out the window of the dance studio each evening. 



This Japanese film inspired an American remake with Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez.



 That film has its own charms, but this story really works better in its original context. 



The overworked, suffocating salaryman living his life of quiet desperation is a familiar figure to the Japanese, whose preoccupation with respectability and conformity can weigh heavily on those seeking professional acceptance and success. 



As his initial attraction to the woman transfers to a genuine love for dance, Yakusho shows us a man who blossoms before our eyes as his renewed confidence and sense of joy begins to improve every aspect of his life, including family and work. 



Spoiler alert!!! From the end of the movie!!


Comedian Naoto Takenaka provides a memorable supporting role as the brave, somewhat tragic, and completely spastic Aoki.

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