Dancing is awesome and badass when you’re good at it, yes.

Hey, this is the guy who turned a Zatoichi film into a musical (sheer genius, by the way).

He’s actually known in Japan more as part of a comedy duo than as a movie star. He directed the very sweet A Scene by the Sea, which I reviewed here some time ago. But Shane likes his Yakusa films best.

I used to think he was tough and manly but now that I’ve seen him dance I realize he can’t be… because tough guys don’t dance. Thanks for the heads up Marilyn! (sorry, didn’t have time to read the post, just saw the video – assuming you put it up to illustrate that dancing is kind of girly, right?)

Greg, did you see how mean he looked when he danced? I thought he might have razor-sharp taps that he loosens and flings at sleeping audience members.

Well for what it’s worth – and I like shootouts too, I swear! – I think dancing can be one of the best uses of film out there, whether it’s Michael Jackson in a music video, Fred Astaire in a musical, or a million-strong chorus in a Busby Berkeley acid trip. I count the truly great dances as some of the most sublime moments in cinema…true exploitation of the appeal of movement which lies at the heart of the art form’s appeal.

MovieMan – How true, how true. I’d love to see someone do a really thorough review of camera movement and dance. I always pay attention, but it’s not always easy to sum up the nuances.

Marilyn: I may have to rethink my stance on public dancing. I have always remained seated with arms folded across chest while the ladies danced. Now? Well, if it’s good enough for Beat
Takeshi, it’s good enough for me. — Mykal

Dude!!! Way to go!

Conversely, check out Tony Jaa in Ong Bak, and tell me he’s not Nijinski the way he defies gravity. And speaking of Muay Thai action movies, Jeeja, the star of Chocolate also formally studied dance.