movie watch

Shall We Dance?

Pearl, 12am

A funny and touching award-winning Japanese movie, starring Koji Yakusyo and ballerina-turned-actress Tamiyo Kusakari. Syohei is an ordinary 42-year-old businessman living a comfortable suburban life with his sweet wife and adorable daughter. Despite what appears to be a perfect life, he feels something is missing. On a train home from work one evening, Syohei catches a glimpse of the beautiful Mai (Kusakari) looking out of the window of a ballroom dancing school and becomes obsessed with her, enrolling himself as a dance student at the school. While Syohei's original motivation for learning to dance is Mai, he starts to get involved with the class and enjoys it. Written and directed by Masayuki Suo, Shall We Dance? is more than a mid-life crisis movie. It is also about the young woman whose dream to become the country's top dancer is never realised. Fine performance from Kusakari and the hilarious Naoto Takenaka as the closeted, passionate Latin dancer (1996).

Three Colours: Red

World, 12.30am

Part of the Krzysztof Kieslowski-directed Three Colours trilogy. Set in Geneva, young model Valentine (Irene Jacob) encounters a reclusive retired judge (Jean-Louis Trintignant) who has a peculiar habit of listening in on his neighbour's telephone conversations. Living across the street from Valentine is a law student who seems to be living the young life of the retired judge. But will fate bring them all together? (1994)

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