Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1678 in DVD
• Released on: 2006-09-11
• Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 108 minutes

Synopsis
Mixing elements of sports film, feel-good drama and teen movie, with a dash of social realism, TAKE THE LEAD is an inspiring tale of transformation through art and sports. Based on a true story, the film centres on the dashing Pierre Dulaine, an idealistic New York City ballroom dancer, who was the subject of the runaway documentary hit, MAD HOT BALLROOM (2005). After spying the desperate and violent actions of a young and angry high school student named Rock, Dulaine becomes intent on channelling his talent into the service of troubled youth. He approaches Rock's tough but well-meaning high school principal (the always radiant Alfre Woodward), with the idea of teaching ballroom dancing to detention students. Were it not for the fact that this is a story pulled from real life, the premise might ring false; the fact that it actually happened only makes the movie more powerful. Dulaine is greeted with the expected disdain and cynicism by his street-hardened students, yet by the end of the film, gang member, Ramos, tough-as-nails Larhette, charming but overweight Monster and the lone white boy Kurd, are all transformed into dedicated, graceful, and talented dancers. The troubled teens perform the tango and rumba as confidently as they once initiated fistfights. Along with learning the technical steps of the ballroom, these youngsters are also exposed to their toe-tapping teacher's wisdom about life, learning everything from how to treat a lady, to how to disengage from pointless violence. Former music-video director, Liz Friedlander brings a kinetic energy to the film, and the pulsating hip-hop soundtrack is designed to attract youthful viewers.

Customer Reviews

Excellent movie
Antonio Banderas, plays Pierre Dulaine, a ballroom teacher whose vision is to transform and give value to those others have given up on in a New York public school. He does this by teaching them to dance.
If this is an unlikely scenario, the movie is based on a true story!
Banderas is sauve, sophisticated, sexy and a damn good actor. He is very ably supported by the rest of the cast, which includes Yaya, from America's next top model!
The movie is let down by the ending, which is far too Holywood and lacks reality. Apart this, this film comes very highly recommended. It keeps your attention for the duration and is very entertaining.
Well worth a watch!

"I've got five bucks saying you won't be back tomorrow"
When we read the description of this movie, the expectation is that we will get a story that has been told before, but this time using dancing as the motivator. Movies in a similar vein that came to mind were "Stand and Deliver", which uses math, and "Music of the Heart", which uses music. And in terms of the plot, there are not many surprises there. But the delivery is outstanding; the music and dancing are used perfectly to make us forget about the trite plot.

"Take the Lead" is based on the true story of Mr. Pierre Dulaine, a ballroom dancer and teacher who shows the traits of an old-fashioned gentleman and argues that the dancing cultivates these characteristics. This is a movie about contrasts and about how differences can be bridged. The music and dancing are used as a perfect metaphor for this idea. Right from the beginning we see people getting ready for a party at the beat of different music, hip hop on on side and a ballade on the other. The differences tumble down from there. From the clothing to the ambiance, the world of ballroom dancing and the world of a high school party dominated by hip hop, could not be farther apart.

The two worlds collide when Jason, a student at John Drake High School, is destroying the car of the principal of the school and Pierre comes along in his bike (and this is a bicycle, mind you) and inquires about Jason's acts. The next day, Mr. Dulaine shows up at the principals office and asks for a chance to teach these kids ballroom dancing. She laughs at him, but then decides to teach him a lesson and sends him to try his plan on a group of students on detention. Pierre, who we already suspect was yearning for a challenge, does not waver in his purpose. He experiences a disastrous first reunion, but little by little manages to reach these kids and show them that they can dream again.

There are several things that make this film enjoyable. First, there is the dancing, which is very entertaining and uplifting, and shows some very skilled performers. I was mostly impressed by Jenna Dewan, who is outstanding in an unconventional tango scene. Then, there is the music, which ranges from silky love songs to fashionable and catching hip hop. Finally, even though the story is unoriginal, it is told in such a way that keeps us engaged throughout the duration. Overall, this is a movie worth watching if you enjoy music and dance.

Absolutely Brilliant
I loved the idea of this film, and having seen other "ballroom" based films such as the ultra-feelgood "Shall We Dance" I purchased this on the strength of that.
This film is a tad more "down to earth", rather than a total fantasy fairy-tale, it is based around troubled youth in a New York public school, and partly based on fact, which also makes it more intriguing.
The film had me absorbed and I thoroughly enjoyed it - the only criticism I would have was that due to the way the film was shot, you were not able to follow great parts of any routine - the shots kept cutting from one couple to another rapidly, which personally for me was quite annoying, but aside that the film as a whole was teriffic and well done. Enjoy.