Takes a small, exquisite Japanese movie and turns it into a big, stupid American movie. Still, it must be said that as glossy and overproduced as the thing is, it's a good Big Stupid American movie.
– Stephen Hunter,
Washington Post,
15 Oct 2004
rotten:
Occasionally charming but ultimately forgettable bit of fox-trot fluff.
– Jen Chaney,
Washington Post,
15 Oct 2004
rotten:
There are so many appealing performers in Shall We Dance? that it's a crime the director, Peter Chelsom, and the screenwriter, Audrey Wells, haven't given them more to do.
– Charles Taylor,
Salon.com,
19 Oct 2004
rotten:
Under the clunky direction of Peter Chelsom, while forced to mouth inane dialogue by Audrey Wells ... a swell bunch of troupers get mangled in a monsoon of cliches.
– Rex Reed,
New York Observer,
21 Oct 2004
rotten:
Offers attractive, inoffensive characters and a smattering of broad laughs, but it fails to use its potential to explore weightier themes such as John's mid-life crisis.