When a young ballroom champion defies the all-powerful Federation by dancing his own steps, his dream of winning the Pan-Pacific Grand Prix is shattered. His career seems in jeopardy until help comes from an unexpected quarter and he finds the courage to challenge the Federation.

The plot is familiar: a romance blossoming between an unlikely pair, and they go on to conquer all, against all the opposition. But add Luhrmann's flamboyant style and you have a film that has a vibrant energy. The cinematography is dazzling with Luhrmann's use of brash colours. The dancing is thrilling to watch, enhanced by the slick editing and rousing score. Luhrmann sends up the peculiar rituals of ballroom dancing without making them look ridiculous. And the transformation of Fran's ugly duckling into the beautiful swan is convincing.

Luhrmann's inventiveness brought him prizes galore. With eight Australian Film Institute Awards, three BAFTAs and the Cannes Film Festival's Prix de Jeunesse, he's shown that although a story may be formulaic, it's the way you tell it that determines success. – BBC Online

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