Patrick & Lisa - their love for dance - and each other

In some ways this reminds me of the movie Assassination Tango. A movie, it seems, that was made by Robert Duvall out of love for his future wife and female lead - Argentine Luciana Pedraza. A movie in which they share their enthusiasm for dance; the Argentine tango. And, coincidentally, filmed about the same time. Maybe the powers that be were looking for real-life partners to make dance movies? The industry is so often formula driven.

Sorry for the tangent.

So, no - I'm not going to slam and criticise. I agree with most of the criticism - no need to pile on.

As film-making goes - this movie is not so great (putting it mildly).
So, I can understand the low rating and negative remarks by viewers; fine; most people didn't like it.

But, I did.
I think this movie is really about the love between Patrick and his wife Lisa.
They met as teens in his mother's dance studio.
And, it's also about their real-world life-long love of dance.

I've always held a certain appreciation for Swayze; maybe it's the passion he brings to his work; and his physicality. Sure, he's bombed at the box office numerous times, but I just like (liked) the guy; his energy.

I see that Lisa was the female lead in Steel Dawn - another movie that I've enjoyed; no cinematic masterpiece, but an entertaining action flick.

The real passion and beauty outweighs the faults.
I will watch One Last Dance - again and again in the years to come.

"The way of the dance" is not so unlike "the way of the warrior"; staying true to your art; pushing yourself beyond your perceived limitations; a life-long dedication.

If you are lucky enough to find your "way" - the art that becomes your all-consuming life-long passion, you never give up. And, after years of blood, sweat and tears - you may live long enough to be betrayed by your body; no longer able to run as fast or leap as high.

But, you always find yourself not wanting to give up; if only .. just one more time .. to experience the ethereal joy . . . in one last dance.

I can only hope that Patrick is dancing with a bliss-full heart and reaching to the ends of the universe - wherever he is.





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