Day 165 - Dance, Subaru! (Japanese)

"Subaru and her twin brother Kazuma share a dream in becoming ballet dancers, but their passion is discouraged by their father. After Kazuma's death from a hereditary illness, dancing became Subaru's only happiness and she yearns to lose herself in dance. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she runs into cabaret owner Isuzu, who recognizes the talent in Subaru and trains her in her nightspot.
But to become a professional ballerina, Subaru has to overcome harsher challenges than merely satisfying the cabaret drunkards. Spurred on by her rivaling dance companions, Subaru enters an international dance competition, to vie for recognition and a scholarship to any top ballet company in the world.
Subaru and her companions soon discover that there are more to compete than the championship, and tests of friendship, betrayal and self-worth come one after another. Gradually the youngsters learn about themselves as dancers, as persons and as friends. " -AsianWiki

Dance, Subaru could have been great but failed to due so because of the cliché of dancing movies. The beginning of the film was successful, it was entertaining and somewhat emotional. Then you get to the middle and it reminded me of a Step-Up reject with that hip hop scene and the stupid romance with the guy who doesn't know about classic dance. Yet, in the last half of the film it saved itself with stellar dance performances and true emotions and discovery of oneself. I wished they didn't have the failed romance in the film, it wasn't necessary to the plot whatsoever. I did enjoy all the actors performances especially the lead Meisa Kuroki who plays the teenage Subaru. I suggest this film to those that like Japanese films and inspiring films.

2.9/5