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Never follow.
Pierre Dulaine is a Manhattan ballroom teacher and competitor who volunteers his time to teach ballroom dancing to a group of New York inner city high school kids. Initially forced to participate as a form of detention, the kids reject Mr. Dulaine's efforts until his unwavering commitment and dedication finally inspires them to embrace the program, infusing it with their own unique hip-hop style while subconsciously learning valuable life lessons about pride, respect, self-esteem and honour.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
When we read the description of this movie, the expectation is that we will get a story that has been told before, but this time using dancing as the motivator. Movies in a similar vein that came to mind were "Stand and Deliver", which uses math, and "Music of the Heart", which uses music. And in terms of the plot, there are not many surprises there. But the delivery is outstanding; the music and dancing are used perfectly to make us forget about the trite plot.
"Take the Lead" is based on the true story of Mr. Pierre Dulaine, a ballroom dancer and teacher who shows the traits of an old-fashioned gentleman and argues that the dancing cultivates these characteristics. This is a movie about contrasts and about how differences can be bridged. The music and dancing are used as a perfect metaphor for this idea. Right from the beginning we see people getting ready for a party at the beat of different music, hip hop on on side and a ballade on the other. The differences tumble down from there. From the clothing to the ambiance, the world of ballroom dancing and the world of a high school party dominated by hip hop, could not be farther apart.
The two worlds collide when Jason, a student at John Drake High School, is destroying the car of the principal of the school and Pierre comes along in his bike (and this is a bicycle, mind you) and inquires about Jason's acts. The next day, Mr. Dulaine shows up at the principals office and asks for a chance to teach these kids ballroom dancing. She laughs at him, but then decides to teach him a lesson and sends him to try his plan on a group of students on detention. Pierre, who we already suspect was yearning for a challenge, does not waver in his purpose. He experiences a disastrous first reunion, but little by little manages to reach these kids and show them that they can dream again.
There are several things that make this film enjoyable. First, there is the dancing, which is very entertaining and uplifting, and shows some very skilled performers. I was mostly impressed by Jenna Dewan, who is outstanding in an unconventional tango scene. Then, there is the music, which ranges from silky love songs to fashionable and catching hip hop. Finally, even though the story is unoriginal, it is told in such a way that keeps us engaged throughout the duration. Overall, this is a movie worth watching if you enjoy music and dance.
"Take the Lead" is based on the true story of Mr. Pierre Dulaine, a ballroom dancer and teacher who shows the traits of an old-fashioned gentleman and argues that the dancing cultivates these characteristics. This is a movie about contrasts and about how differences can be bridged. The music and dancing are used as a perfect metaphor for this idea. Right from the beginning we see people getting ready for a party at the beat of different music, hip hop on on side and a ballade on the other. The differences tumble down from there. From the clothing to the ambiance, the world of ballroom dancing and the world of a high school party dominated by hip hop, could not be farther apart.
The two worlds collide when Jason, a student at John Drake High School, is destroying the car of the principal of the school and Pierre comes along in his bike (and this is a bicycle, mind you) and inquires about Jason's acts. The next day, Mr. Dulaine shows up at the principals office and asks for a chance to teach these kids ballroom dancing. She laughs at him, but then decides to teach him a lesson and sends him to try his plan on a group of students on detention. Pierre, who we already suspect was yearning for a challenge, does not waver in his purpose. He experiences a disastrous first reunion, but little by little manages to reach these kids and show them that they can dream again.
There are several things that make this film enjoyable. First, there is the dancing, which is very entertaining and uplifting, and shows some very skilled performers. I was mostly impressed by Jenna Dewan, who is outstanding in an unconventional tango scene. Then, there is the music, which ranges from silky love songs to fashionable and catching hip hop. Finally, even though the story is unoriginal, it is told in such a way that keeps us engaged throughout the duration. Overall, this is a movie worth watching if you enjoy music and dance.
38 of 41 people found the following review helpful
Feelin Hot Hot Hot !!!!!!!!!!!! Antonio is sizzlin hot in this scorcher of a film!!!!!!!!!!!! MUST SEE
10 Sep 2006
Format:DVD
I went to see this film at the cinema, and thoroughly enjoyed it. All us ladies have seen how 'hot' Antonio Banderas was when he danced with Catherine Zeta Jones in Zorro, and with Madonna in Evita. He obviously enjoyed dancing as he chose to do this film and boy is he good!, and one cannot forget what fantastic dancers the whole cast were. This film will appeal to both the ladies and the fellas. The only reason why I have not given it 5* is because of the legendary Dirty Dancing (in the same genre). Dirty Dancing has survived the test of time. It is a film which continues to be extremely popular with each generation. However 'Take The Lead' is definitely my second favourite in this genre!
This film is better than 'Save The Last Dance', and it was so good that I'm buying it (forget renting - this ones for keeps), as it's one of those films you'll watch again and again.....and again.
MUST SEE!
This film is better than 'Save The Last Dance', and it was so good that I'm buying it (forget renting - this ones for keeps), as it's one of those films you'll watch again and again.....and again.
MUST SEE!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Take the Lead is a film to settle down to on a rainy afternoon. I am a dance film lover and though this doesnt disappoint, it doesnt have the wow factor for me. The story line is passable and keeps you watching moreso for the change in attitudes by the characters than for the actual dancing. Having said that, I was glued to the scene where Antonio Banderas dances the tango which was breathtaking, worth buying just for that.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Take the Lead
Good dance film as expected. Young peoples struggles are show as well. Its a half true story which is stressed by letting the main character (the true Pierre) participate in the... Read more
Published 21 days ago by Carsten Løffmann
Pierre's tools are his own spirit, grace, sacrifice and charm.
(THE FILM)-Full of electrifying energy, this exciting and inspirational story lights up the screen with its raw spirit and sizzling dance moves. Read more
Published 1 month ago by S. F. husseiny
dvd
bought this dvd for my daughter she loves dancing films it arrived quickly and she was pleased when i gave it to her, plus it has antonio banderas in it what's not to like.
Published 1 month ago by tanya
Good film
Dance rom coms / dramas can be over acted and over rated but this is very good and very well priced deffinatly one to watch, and for a good price.
Published 2 months ago by Gigi
DVD
Very prompt delivery. Will definitely keep this one in my collection. I loved the story especially as based on a true account and dancing good especially the tango!
Published 4 months ago by sm
Excellent!
I bought a copy of this to watch at a party, it went down a treat :)
Everyone who'd seen it before loved it, and like myself, were able to complete the dialogue, and those who... Read more
Everyone who'd seen it before loved it, and like myself, were able to complete the dialogue, and those who... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Isabel
Missed opportunity
If you like Antonio Banderas, you'll enjoy this film. If you're after a dance film, you may not. I would have liked to see more hot tangoes from hot Banderas, but, alas, only one... Read more
Published 16 months ago by S. Amitay
fantastic
fantastic dvd. story, dancing, everything about this dvd was great. Watched it 3 times & will no doubt watch it again - so very, very entertaining.
Published 18 months ago by woolls
Great film!
This is a sweet and funny film. Who can resist Antonio Banderas in a suit, dancing! Can definetly recommend it to anyone who likes a good chick flick with lots of dancing and good... Read more
Published 19 months ago by sheepin
A dancers delight!
If you love dancing you'll probably like this film! It's excellent dancing throughout make this one of the actual decent dance films - with people that can actually dance in it... Read more
Published 24 months ago by Ms. N. Hermitage
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