Make Your Move

The fascinating movie, Make Your Move, is a thrilling dance/romance film that radiates its captivating themes of passion, desire, and ambition through dance. Released in the year 2013, the compelling performance of stars Derek Hough of Dancing with the Stars fame, South Korean pop-icon BoA, and TV actor Will Yun Lee is what brings a compelling aura to this dance-themed romance movie.

The plot of the film centers around two main characters, Donny played by Derek Hough, and Aya played by BoA. Hough's performance as Donny gives audiences a chance to see the dynamic and expressive side of his personality as he brings the character to life. While his dance skills are well recognized, Make Your Move also gives Hough the platform to show his acting prowess.

Donny, a tap dancer from New Orleans, travels to New York having recently been paroled. He is determined to win big and create a niche for himself, shedding his past reputation. He lands a job at the “Static” nightclub owned by his foster brother, Nick played by Wesley Jonathan. At the club, Donny encounters Aya, the charismatic star of a rivaling nightclub, the “Otosan” club.

BoA’s performance as Aya, a captivating Asian beauty, represent the passion and dedication that music and dance inspire. She is part of a dance troupe that combines traditional Korean drumming with dance named the Cobu Girls. The character of Aya showcases her lovable nature and ambition, brimming with an energetic zeal that BoA exquisitely portrays.

When it comes to on-screen chemistry, Hough and BoA hold nothing back with their exceptional dance sequences, which beautifully combines tap dance and Korean drumming. As their relationship deepens, they find themselves caught in the middle of a fierce nightclub rivalry between the two brothers, Nick and Kaz who owns the rival club where Aya performs. Simultaneously, the rhythms of love start to complicate things further, and both Donny and Aya strive to overcome these challenges to make changes in their lives. The storyline is served with romance, drama, and passion with the intense dance sequences offering that thrilling edge to the narrative.

As much as the movie is about dance, it is also a testament to the power of resilience, ambition, determination and of course, the power of love. Dance sequences and choreographies are top-notch, and the music keeps the adrenaline running. The music serves as a vibrant background to the intense dance sequences and flows with the storyline beautifully. The combination of tap dancing and Korean drumming is not just unique, but perfectly showcases the blending of two cultures, two different art forms.

The direction and screenplay by Duane Adler ensures that the storyline keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The narrative unfolds smoothly, combining elements of romance, family drama, and rivalry capturing the complexity of the human spirit when faced with adversities. Locales and cinematography add to the overall allure of the movie, driving the symbolic importance of the storyline forward.

Make Your Move also hosts a potent supporting cast such as Miki Ishikawa who plays Natsumi, Aya's younger brother, and Will Yun Lee who performs as Kaz, Aya's protective older brother, and Nick's rival club owner. They enhance the core of the story and further enrich the cinematic experience.

Make Your Move is not just a dance-themed romantic movie but strives to portray the underlying concept of how passion, when combined with determination can overcome obstacles, sparking the way for self transformation and true love. Whether you are a dance enthusiast or someone who enjoys an enthralling romantic drama, this multicultural mix, unified by the universal language of dance, makes Make Your Move a genuinely compelling watch.