I usually enjoy independent character films. Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! seemed like just the kind of film I might like, with creative choices and engaging characters. After watching the movie, I found it quirky and endearing, as it explores grief, loss, and passion, including desire and the renewal of life.
Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! is a drama film directed by Josef Kubota Wladyka and written by Wladyka and Nicholas Hunh. In the movie, Ha-Chan (Rinko Kichuki) and her husband Luis (Alejandro Edda) are passionate competitors in the Tokyo ballroom dance scene. During one of their performances, tragedy strikes and Ha-Chan withdraws into isolation, her grief overwhelming her at the loss of Luis. Her sisters, Yuki (Yoh Yushida) and Hiromi (You) coax her back out to the dance studio where she develops an infatuation with her dance instructor, Fedir (Alberto Guerra). As sparks fly between the two, Ha-Chan must navigate the complicated relationship, her newfound desire, and her grief. Will she learn to live again or will she hold onto the ghost of Luis?
One of the factors that made this such an endearing film is the characters. Ha-Chan is interesting, full of life with Luis and as the story develops her character, her imaginative fantasies of grand dance scenes, it also develops her emotional connection to Luis but also how attached she becomes to Fedir. Her emotions are shown tangled between the two men and how she responds to that situation is messy but also very real and emotional.
The grand dance scenarios are incredible and catchy. While some of the scenes are quirky, they are also part of what I enjoyed about the film, the beauty of dance, the passion for music and artistry, the way dance helps people come to life. The music and scenes correspond to Ha-Chan’s moods and illustrate her struggles without words even being needed. It is a beautiful way to convey how much music and dance can impact individuals but also develops Ha-Chan as a character even more.
This is a very character driven film so it is integral that the acting be exceptional. Rinko Kichuki does exactly that with her performance. Her expressiveness, her ability to convey emotion through dance, gestures and her facial expressions is incredible and nuanced. Her chemistry with both Alejandro Edda who plays Luis and Alberto Guerra who plays Fedir is intense and believable. Her interactions with each man is what drives the film and the story. She takes center stage but her performance is more than equal to the task. I also liked the way the bond with her sisters is portrayed by Rinko Kichuki. It is loving but they also quarrel, tease, and are realistic as sisters. Both Yoh Yushida who plays Yuki and You who plays Hiromi give strong performances. Alejandro Edda is loving in his performance as Luis. Alberto Guerra is complex and passionate as Fedir, a man who loves his wife intensely despite their open marriage.
This film is quirky and unusual, with ghosts and dance fantasies. It will not be for everyone. I found it fun, endearing and emotional. But there are slower moments and unusual bits that could be less appealing for others. For myself, I thoroughly enjoyed those unusual bits, I loved the emotional drive of the film, I loved the character of Ha-Chan with her grief and loss. If you like films that explore grief, loss and the awakening of passion, this film is incredibly nuanced and brilliant in exploring those ideas. I loved every minute of the movie
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 records
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