Backbencher

This is a wonderful film from director Baz Luhrmann. Viewers may recognize the slightly-choppy, quick-zoom-in film style as being similar to two of Luhrmann's other films: Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge. (The three films together make up the "Red Curtain" trilogy.)

In the several times I have seen this movie before watching it for class; I have never associated it with Australia. Sure, the actors have discernable accents, but the film does not make a huge deal that it is based in Sydney. I think for me, the main reason that I previously have not associated this movie with Australia has been that I do not associate ballroom dancing with Australia.

That brings me to why I think this movie is worth watching for this class. It shows a side of Australian culture that I am sure many people would not guess to be Australian. It links Australia to other countries, and not just those such as Ireland and Britain who have given Australia many of its immigrants. This movie shows that dancing can connect the people of Australia to countries from South America and Europe. It teaches us that dancing is the same no matter where you are. That music and dancing can unite people from all over.

Over all, it is a very enjoyable movie to watch with colorful characters and an unconventional Cinderella story. I would suggest watching the extras after the movie about the real ballroom dancing competitions going on in Australia and how these are similar to those all over the world.