‘Supremely satisfying’: why Strictly Ballroom is my feelgood movie

<p>The latest in our series of writers explaining their favourite comfort watches is a recommendation of Baz Luhrmann’s irresistible audience hit</p><p>Stuck on the wall above the desk where I write is a Post-it note, which I look at for inspiration whenever I feel that the chapter I’m working on needs some extra oomph. If you’ve seen <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/australia-culture-blog/2014/feb/03/strictly-ballroom-rewatching-classic-australian-films">Strictly Ballroom</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/baz-luhrmann">Baz Luhrmann</a>’s 1992 directorial debut, the words on it – Scott’s knee-slide – will be immediately and ecstatically familiar. If not, allow me to introduce you to what is, for my money, one of the most purely enjoyable films ever made.</p><p>Scott Hastings, the son of two retired ballroom dancers who now run a teaching studio, is a future champion. Or he would be, if he didn’t keep deviating from the stiff steps laid down by the Australian Dance Federation’s Barry Fife (a Trumpian ogre in a toupee) and throwing in his own moves. When his dancing partner dumps him after he goes rogue during a competition, Fran, the studio’s wallflower, offers to take on the might of the Federation with him. Cue lingering looks, secret rooftop rehearsals and a montage set to Time After Time, with plenty of neon eyeshadow thrown in – picture an early episode of Neighbours on speed, set in the Winter Gardens Blackpool, and you’re halfway there.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oct/06/strictly-ballroom-baz-luhrmann-feelgood-movie">Continue reading...</a>