Shall We Dance?

A man's quest for joy leads him to the dance floor, where he finds more than just rhythm.

Critics broadly regard it as an elegantly directed, warmly performed, highly entertaining celebration of self-expression and stepping beyond convention.

• Shohei’s ballroom lessons gradually address the depression and dissatisfaction concealed beneath his successful professional life.
• Shohei’s identity as an accountant and husband is shaped by the restrained norms of contemporary Japanese working life.
• The dance school provides Shohei and the other students a socially meaningful space for self-expression outside work and domestic obligations.
• Shohei’s development is interwoven with Mai Kishikawa, Tomio Aoki, Toyoko Takahashi, and other students at the studio.

• The Full Montywarm character-driven comedy about personal renewal through an unfamiliar passion
• Billy Elliotgentle dance-centered drama combining social inhibition, self-expression, and uplifting humor
• After LifeJapanese ensemble comedy-drama balancing everyday pressures with liberating artistic expression
• Strictly Ballroomromantic and comic transformation story centered on stepping beyond social expectations

Director

Masayuki Suō

Release Date

1996-01-27

Runtime

136 min

Rating

7.5 / 10 (189)

What is Shall We Dance? about?

A melancholy Japanese salaryman finds unexpected emotional renewal when ballroom dancing disrupts the orderly life he thought was complete.

What is Shall We Dance? like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Shall We Dance? as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Shall We Dance? violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Shall We Dance?.

What did critics think of Shall We Dance??

Critics broadly regard it as an elegantly directed, warmly performed, highly entertaining celebration of self-expression and stepping beyond convention.

Which films are like Shall We Dance??

Films with a similar feel include The Full Monty, Billy Elliot, After Life, and Strictly Ballroom.

How long is Shall We Dance??

Shall We Dance? runs 136 minutes.

Where can I watch Shall We Dance??

In United States, Shall We Dance? streams on MUBI, MUBI Amazon Channel.