Dreams on Fire

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Dreams on Fire

2021

2h 3m

Drama

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18 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Yume, an aspiring dancer who came to Tokyo with big dreams in her eyes, realizes that she must take the long road to success after getting acquainted with the ground reality for the first time.

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Serena Seghedoni

Loud and Clear Reviews

Dreams on Fire explores a side of Japan we don’t often get to see, shining a spotlight on its talented cast of dancers and sending across a meaningful message.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 18, 2023

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Paul Risker

PopMatters

What gives Dreams on Fire its dramatic urgency is the uncertainty of whether Yume will fulfil her dream. Then as she begins to find success, her vulnerability raises the risk.

Jan 3, 2022

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Pieter-Jan Van Haecke

Psychocinematography

McKie’s film is not only the best dance-film of recent years but might very well be one of the best Japanese films to be released this year.

Dec 30, 2021

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Kristen Maldonado

Kristen Maldonado

A little bit long and dragged out at times but I thought this one was also very realistic.

Sep 1, 2021

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

It's on fire.

Rated: B+

Aug 31, 2021

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Emilie Black

Cinema Crazed

...a wonderful and exciting kaleidoscope of music, dance, and vibrant life.

Rated: 5/5

Aug 28, 2021

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Audience Member

Self-absorbed main character who is totally reactive to the outcomes of failed auditions and lost competitions, yet cannot stay disciplined to the temptations of partying with her friends. Main character isn’t tough. A movie loosely based on the life and beginnings of Brittany Spears would put this story to the trash heap. This is no 8-Mile. The nightmare scene was great but that was about it. All of the hand movements became annoying as the movie progressed. She is seen checking her smart phone obsessively.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/28/25

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Steve C

Them to MC: "I know you're better than most of our dancers, but you can't join us because you don't have any social media followers to boost our image". Me: "Wow, even though this is fiction. I hope one of your dancer members gets into a scandal and your beloved images gets ruined because you have such a huge following."

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/27/24

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Richsrd L

Very realistic portrayal of the hyper competitive dance/entertainment industry in Japan. Emphasis on Hip-hop and Modern Dance to Electronica/House music. Great plot and acting with the backdrop of hidden Tokyo nightlife and culture. Highly recommended.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/27/23

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Philippe McKie

Director

Banbi Naka

Yume

Masahiro Takashima

Hostess Club Boss

Akaji Maro

Grandfather

Ikuyo Kuroda

Actor

Saki Okuda

Actor

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Synopsis

Yume, an aspiring dancer who came to Tokyo with big dreams in her eyes, realizes that she must take the long road to success after getting acquainted with the ground reality for the first time.

Director: Philippe McKie
Producer: Philippe McKie, Michelle LeBlanc
Screenwriter: Philippe McKie
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Japanese
Runtime: 2h 3m

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