Shall We Dance? (30th Anniversary)

Masayuki Suô’s Shall We Dance? is a charming and deeply human exploration of loneliness, self-discovery and the quiet longing for happiness. The film follows Shohei Sugiyama (Kôji Yakusho, *Perfect Days*), a successful but emotionally unfulfilled office worker who becomes fascinated by a dance school and its mysterious instructor, Mai. What begins as a secret attempt to escape the daily grind gradually evolves into a quest for self-confidence, connection and personal transformation. Combining subtle humour with heartfelt drama, Suô turns ballroom dancing into an elegant metaphor for communication, intimacy and the courage to embrace change. Beloved for its warmth and sincerity, Shall We Dance? remains a modern Japanese classic and a moving ode to ordinary people who find unexpected joy. (1996 · Masayuki Suo · 136 min) Screening at De Uitkijk.