Take the Lead (2006)

Director:

Liz Friedlander

Writer (WGA):

Dianne Houston (written by)

Release Date:

7 April 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Music

Tagline:

Never Follow.

Plot:

The real story of a dance teacher who believed in the talent of a group of problem kids.

Plot Keywords:

Dance | Teacher | Ballroom | Dance Teacher | Tango

Awards:

1 win & 6 nominations

Cast

Antonio Banderas	...	Pierre Dulaine
Rob Brown	...	Rock
Yaya DaCosta	...	LaRhette
Alfre Woodard	...	Augustine James
John Ortiz	...	Mr. Temple
Laura Benanti	...	Tina
Jonathan Malen	...	Kurd
Jasika Nicole	...	Egypt
Shawand McKenzie	...	Big Girl
Dante Basco	...	Ramos
Elijah Kelley	...	Danjou
Jenna Dewan	...	Sasha
Marcus T. Paulk	...	Eddie
Brandon D. Andrews	...	Monster
Lauren Collins	...	Caitlin

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for thematic material, language and some violence.

Runtime:

108 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

SDDS | Dolby Digital | DTS

Certification:

USA:PG-13 | Singapore:PG | UK:12A | Ireland:PG | Hong Kong:IIA | Argentina:Atp | Malaysia:U | Switzerland:10 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:10 (canton of Vaud) | Sweden:7 | Finland:K-11 | Philippines:PG-13 (MTRCB) | Australia:PG | Iceland:10 | Netherlands:6 | South Korea:12 | New Zealand:PG | Portugal:M/12

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company:

New Line Cinema

Trivia:

Antonio Banderas and Laura Benanti, whom both star in this film together, were previously on Broadway together in the 2003 Revival of Nine the Musical. Banderas received a Tony Award nomination for his role in this production.

Goofs:

Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): In one scene in the basement, Antonio accidentally calls YaYa by her real name instead of her character's name.

Quotes:

Caitlin: Mr.Dulaine? Morgan says the kids you teach up town are a bunch of no-talent losers.
Pierre Dulaine: You cannot always believe what Morgan says.
Caitlin: I would really like to join them.

Movie Connections:

Features "I Love Lucy" (1951)

Soundtrack:

Looky Looky

A Motivational/Inspirational Film

Attended a premiere of the film yesterday without knowing anything about it, and I was pleasantly surprised.

Along the lines of similar films regarding inner city schools and the use of fine arts to motivate students, this film chooses dance as its educational medium. It provides a realistic examination of true life in the New York public school system, and of New York City in general...no "Sex and the City" or "Friends" glamor here. I applaud this film for its casting of Antonio Banderas as the teacher who really cares for his student's lives in a world of despair. He does a great job conveying the inner struggle of a person who yearns to offer their help despite limited resources and support. Meanwhile, the students that make up his class are relative unknowns, but all are fantastic dancers with acting skills to match.

Even if you are not a fan of either Hip Hop/Rap or Ballroom/Jazz/Ballroom styles of music and dance, this film will have your foot tapping and imagination wandering..."maybe after some lessons, I could dance like that". Both worlds are depicted with accuracy and realism, allowing followers of either genre to spy on the other.

For parents looking for the suitability of this film for their children, I would say the minimum age should be 13-ish. Other than the odd curse word or gun play, there is not much else to worry about. The benefits and moral lessons taught by this movie far outweigh the negative aspects.

If you've ever secretly wanted to join a dance class, this film will (hopefully) push you past your fears and have you dancing in no time.