Go for It!

I really enjoy dance movies but sadly there aren't many that are entertaining and actually well made. I've only truly enjoyed Save the last Dance and Honey. Both had great music, good chemistry amongst the actors, dope moves and perfect stage presence. Carmen came off as very stiff and uncomfortable not only when dancing but just speaking. Without Gina in the scenes there was nothing making you want to continue watching. Sure it has a nice story but if the actors can't do two things required of them then the film is a flop.

If you like dancing movies don't go in wanting or expecting one. If you see this, see it knowing it's more of a lifetime coming of age flic.

An impressive first-time effort from emerging filmmaker Carmen Marron. This movie manages, though dealing with familiar themes, to touch the heart and make the coming-of-age story of a young dancer who finds the courage to "go for" her dreams come alive. The message that Ms. Marron is sending with her film is an inspirational one, that hard work, perseverance and belief in oneself can, and will, change lives for the better. At the end of the film after acing her audition, the viewer doesn't know exactly what will happen to the lead character Carmen, but it's satisfying to see that she had the determination to break out of her constraining life to go in a different direction. Realistic and slice-of-life acting from a large ensemble cast, and production values far beyond the film's budget.

On a shoestring budget Carmen Marron has produced a wonderful first film. She obviously has a big heart and great compassion for the underdog. Her actors portray their characters in a believable manner and the cultural values of the community are realistically represented. The high energy dance scenes provide a perfect complement to the compelling plot line. There is a good mixture of the harsh reality of life in the projects juxtaposed with the joy from dancing that the lead character has, and this also personifies her personal struggle between breaking away and continuing on a path that will perpetuate the generational cycle of poverty and dysfunction.

Dance films can be quite entertaining because they provide movement which means a lot of action for the viewer's eyes. Of course, there is the question of story. It's dance but is it interesting? Fortunately, this film has both. For the first 1/3 of the film one must be patient because the director takes her time to setup the story. The viewer is rewarded with an entertaining, intense, and uplifting last 2/3 of the film. Street dancing is still popular all over the world's major cities and not just in the U.S. This is Ms. Marron's first film project and to deliver such a story on such a low budget is inspiring to any new filmmaker. A must see because it is just not "another" dance film.

Before coming to Korea, someone recommended to see this movie and therefore I did. The plot is good because we can relate to this film on everyday life of a common people especially those who struggle to make a living. One thing good is, there is a moral lesson to the story, the choices we make to our life and that was conveyed in the story. Oftentimes, choices that we make in life make or breaks us. Friends that influence us, love us, envy us shape the way we think if we let them. Good to stand firm on what you believe in life especially if you are grounded properly. Bottom line is "you make your life." Hope people that will see it will look at it the way I see the movie. Warmest regards to the film maker. Also, good job and good luck on this movie.