A dancing frame of mind

Arizona Daily Wildcat Choose yer partners: Ballroom dancers find poetry and beauty in the everyday world in Shall We Dance?

This is what you will understand when you see the Japanese film "Shall We Dance?" The story features a 42-year-old business man, Shohei Sugiyama (Koji Yakusyo), and his search for something to fill his ordinary and drained life. Even with the common living comforts of a secure job, a suburban house, an adoring wife and a sweet daughter, Shohei's soul continues to feel uninspired and empty. That is, until the day a strange woman crosses his path and eventually leads him to a ballroom dance studio.

Taking group lessons, Shohei begins to develop a liking for ballroom dancing. His passion for it grows as his horizon is broadened with terminology and demonstrations of the dances. It begins to take over his life, his job and his heart, as it becomes more important to him than his wife and family.

Unlike films like "Strictly Ballroom," "Shall We Dance?" shows more of the struggle and appeal that dancing creates within the soul than just the thrill of competition. Faithfully attending every Wednesday rehearsal, Shohei begins to develop an intimate relationship with dancing, much like a love affair.

This film is fulfilling on many levels. On the surface it deals with the different characters finding a simple happiness from dancing. On a much deeper level, however, it opens a window on the beautiful Japanese culture. You dive into this complex culture of Japanese life and appreciate its differences and how they accentuate the atmosphere of the film. Because in Japan it is embarrassing to be seen at social functions without your spouse, the audience is able to understand why this affair with dancing is so necessary for Shohei to experience.

Arizona Daily Wildcat Shohei Sugiyama (Koji Yakusyo) enlivens his workday world with his newfound passion for dance in the Masayuki Suo film Shall We Dance?

Tomio Aoki is Shohei's co-worker who works mechanically day by day and becomes a rhythmical Latin Lover on the dance floors by night. He is a simple man just wanting to strut his stuff without the pressures of his outside life impeding his fantasy. With h is wig and forced posture, Aoki has incredible presence on the screen, bringing laughs every time he enters the frame. His movements and lines are so well scripted and choreographed that he gives a new meaning to the idea of having a passion for dance.

Dancing is a strong part of every culture and time period. It's the strength between men and women, the soul of an empty heart, the activity in an ordinary life and the love of the human spirit. In the end, Shohei finds these meanings of dance and confess es his love for it to his wife. Eventually, he teaches her how to dance and shares this love with her.

Amongst the range of disappointing Hollywood films this month, this exquisite and refined film, written and directed by Masayuki Suo, will definitely be ranked up there with the best of the alternatives. After watching it, you'll never want to stop talkin g about it. You may even find yourself waltzing out of the theater ...

"Shall We Dance?" is now playing at the Loft. Check theater listings for show times.