10Dance – Movie Review & Ending Explained

Shinya vs Shinya

10Dance begins by introducing Shinya Suzuki and Shinya Sugiki, two elite dancers at the top of their disciplines. Suzuki is the king of Latin dance, while Sugiki is the lord of the ballroom. Despite their talent, both dancers feel stuck at the start of the movie. Suzuki is a national champ. Yet, he won't challenge himself and compete against the best dancers internationally. Sugiki, a world finalist, is always the bridesmaid and never the bride. Oh, he's desperate to win the first-place title to define his career.

Suzuki and Sugiki compete in separate disciplines, so their worlds are never meant to collide. They also have wildly different personalities and dancing techniques, like two opposite ends of the spectrum. The beauty of this movie is how it creates a love story that brings such an unlikely couple together. At first, they clash over everything. After a while… well, they're still butting heads. That tension never really goes away, but they do start to learn from each other. Their rivalry actually becomes productive, pushing them to improve as dancers.

Suzuki

My early impression of Suzuki is chaos. The first time we see him on the dance floor, his energy feels like an explosion. A moment ago, we saw Sugiki and Fusako give a neat little introduction dance. A round of polite applause, please. Next up, Suzuki and Aki take the stage. Instantly, the mood changes. BAM! The pair performs a sultry dance number, complete with arms flying, legs lifting, hips shaking, and bodies grinding. Oh baby, the room's temperature just got a lot hotter! Suzuki has that wildfire effect everywhere he goes.

Suzuki's chaos extends beyond his dancing and carries into his lifestyle. He lives like a rockstar! We're talking fast cars, hot chicks, hard liquor, and cigarette smoke everywhere. He's out clubbing and partying until the sun comes up. And yeah, the pants are gonna come down. The next morning, Aki is exasperated when she finds her dance partner passed out with naked women after his threesome. Ohhhh yeahhhh~ Early on, the movie highlights Suzuki's recklessness. This free-spirited party boy seems wild. Impulsive. Out of control. He's the kind of guy who can't be tamed… at least, until he crosses paths with Sugiki.

Sugiki

My early impression of Sugiki? Total restraint. Meet the poster child for self-control. He's the ultimate overachiever who does everything neatly, efficiently, perfectly, and with no room for error. His discipline makes him a technical powerhouse in the ballroom. Each arm gesture, each leg movement, and even each breathing pattern must be executed with precision. While Suzuki is out there causing chaos, Sugiki has no time for that nonsense. His schedule is only filled with dancing, training, improving, and winning second place in competitions.

Sugiki's restraint is reflected in his fashion choices. He only wears clothes that cover every inch of his body. Suits with high collars. Shirts buttoned all the way up. An endless collection of turtlenecks. Much like a priest, you won't catch a glimpse of his collarbone! The movie dresses him in conservative outfits to highlight his repressed personality. Sugiki is so emotionally guarded that he wraps himself tightly and forbids the slightest bit of exposure. Now, compare that to Suzuki, who's always in something comfortable. Buttons undone, shirts off, trousers dropped. Sugiki would never dare to be that loose.

Princess

Once the dance lessons begin, there's a lot to work on. Suzuki is a ball of wild energy, which suits Latin dances. Those routines thrive on excitement and unpredictability. Jiggle those arms, wiggle that bum! Here's the problem: one person dancing chaotically can be fun, but as a duo, it may look like an uncoordinated mess. Aki admits that partnering with Suzuki can be hard since they aren't in sync. He dances to his own random rhythm, leaving her to scramble. Partnering with Sugiki is easier because his movements are always exact.

Sugiki teaches Suzuki how to dance with poise. Save your wild chaos for the Latin dance contests. In the ballroom, we must move with grace and coordination. During the lessons, Suzuki learns to sync with his partner. It requires him to keep calm and stay composed. He can't just move his body around impulsively. Instead, Sugiki gently guides him through each motion. Some dancers, like the docile Fusako, have the right temperament for obeying orders. She can easily follow her partner's lead. Yessir, tell me where to go next! It's more of a challenge for Suzuki, who hates being controlled, although he's trying his best.

At the end of the lesson, Sugiki actually cracks a joke, which seems surprising given how serious he is. "Do you feel like a princess?" Sugiki asks, holding Suzuki mid-dip while he's arched back in his arms. It's such a power move. He's taking this hyper-masculine, threesome-having bad boy and putting him in the most delicate position imaginable. Without saying it directly, he's letting Suzuki know: "You're not the big shot in charge here anymore. I'm in control."

Revolution

The lessons spill out of the dance studio and into the real world. Suzuki drags Sugiki into a rowdy Cuban restaurant, where everyone is partying it up like TGIF. It's loud, it's crowded, it's groovy, and it's out of Sugiki's comfort zone. His usual hangout joint is the conservatory at Downton Abbey, not whatever the hell this place is. Suzuki keeps egging him on to join the festivities. The idea is to get that stiff ballroom dancebot to loosen up a little. Relax. Have a drink. Let your guard down and shake that money maker!

Sugiki is a good sport, getting up to dance with the crowd. His awkwardness is noticeable, so it's kinda funny to see him sway like a drunk dad at a teenager's party. Suzuki reminds him to be spontaneous. Don't think, don't count your beats, just go with the flow. It goes against Sugiki's every instinct. He's used to following routines and keeping his movements under control, but Suzuki convinces him to freestyle. As Sugiki relaxes, he even breaks into a smile. It's a big deal because his character rarely smiles in the movie, let alone this genuinely. Each time he lets his guard down, it's Suzuki who brings out the joy in him.

The movie uses a vivid metaphor to sum up the differences between the two leads. Sugiki compares himself to Queen Elizabeth's coronation. He's all about traditions, rigid rules, and perfect ceremony. Meanwhile, he sees Suzuki as Fidel Castro's revolution. I love the word "revolution" in this context. It's a powerful way to describe Suzuki's impact on his partner. He basically liberated Sugiki from his own uptight rules and sparked a revolution in him!

Intimacy

These dance lessons grow intimate, both physically and emotionally. The two leads spend hours together in close proximity, so they get comfortable around each other and open up about their personal lives. Sugiki shares the story of his unusual childhood. He grew up with the legendary Ms. Martha, who's running her own version of the Umbrella Academy. She's gonna adopt all the Asian kids and turn them into super dancers! Suzuki also shares his unique upbringing in Cuba and chillaxing on the beaches.

During their conversation, the scene composition is symbolic. Sugiki is tucked away on the dimly lit second floor, almost swallowed by dark shadows. Suzuki is downstairs, standing in bright lighting. It's a perfect visual for their two different worlds. Sugiki is isolated like a lonely prince in a dark tower, while Suzuki represents a ray of light. As they talk, Suzuki paints a picture of a cozy couple under a palm tree, then looks up with a huge grin. He's an open book, totally comfortable talking about love and feelings. However, Sugiki just shuts down. He averts his gaze and retreats back into the dark.

Although Sugiki tries to bury his feelings, Suzuki knows how to get him to open up. Their next dance routine is highly sensual, unleashing the hidden desires of both men. They touch each other in intimate places, while their faces come close to kissing. Their bodies are smashed together like bread on a sandwich. Remember how Suzuki complained about Sugiki pressing his junk against him? Well, look at them now! By the end, they're holding hands on one side, and Suzuki is grabbing Sugiki's ass on the other side. OMG, the sexual tension is at an all-time high!

Fusako

Sugiki is finally opening up, but not everything he reveals is good. Beneath his polished exterior is an ugly side of Shinya Sugiki that will get him cancelled on social media. We already know he's a perfectionist, but it turns out he's just as brutal with everyone else. His relationship with Fusako is where the control freak comes out. Sugiki admits he doesn't want a dance partner who has any input of her own. He prefers an empty vessel, like a puppet that can be used for competitions. Just shut up and dance, Fusako!

Oh dear, it gets worse… Years ago, Fusako had a traumatic accident during a competition. Did Sugiki comfort her? Nope. Did he care about her mental health? Hell no. Instead, his only concern was making sure her spiralling didn't screw up their performance. Dance first, collapse psychologically later! Poor Fusako was so mentally checked out that she developed PTSD and blocked out any memory of that day. This moment is chilling because of how cold-blooded Sugiki can be. He built a wall so thick around his emotions that even someone else's suffering couldn't get through to him.

After hearing the story, Suzuki couldn't hide his disappointment. "Lame." One word of disapproval, but it hits hard. Up until this moment, he was clearly developing feelings for Sugiki. Also, Suzuki accepted that he might be into guys and seemed ready for a romance. Green light, let's go! But then, he learns an iffy detail that changes his opinion of Sugiki. When he says "lame", what he means is, "Ugh, why did you have to admit you were shitty to your dance partner? Now, I like you less!" Suzuki's respect for Sugiki has gone down, and it might have ruined his crush.

Passion

Sugiki is trying to stay composed and not let the insult bother him. Deep down, his heart is aching. Suzuki didn't say anything that harsh, but it hurts coming from him. Losing respect from the guy you like? Not a good feeling. As Suzuki leaves, it starts to snow. What perfect timing! The frosty weather is a metaphor for Sugiki shutting down his emotions. Just like Elsa at the start of Frozen, his defence mechanism is to "conceal, don't feel". To protect himself from the pain, he needs ice running through his veins.

The walls are going up. The heart is locking down. If Sugiki retreats further, he's gonna lose Suzuki for good. Their relationship is already in a critical condition, so the last thing they need is more distance. Usually, Sugiki wouldn't take any initiative. He had trained himself to show restraint and never act on his emotions. Yet, the heartache keeps gnawing at him. It stings. It hurts. It makes him realize just how much he actually likes Suzuki. And then, it happens… Sugiki has a breakthrough. NO. MORE. HOLDING. BACK. Driven by pure passion, he turns around and chases after his man. Hell yes, run fasterrrr!!!

For once in his life, Sugiki is acting on an impulse. Just like he learned from a certain Latin dancer, he stops overthinking and goes with the flow. This burst of passion is unusual for him. At the start of the movie, hell would freeze before Shinya Sugiki lost control over his tightly guarded emotions. As he runs down the stairs in a long trenchcoat with his hair all disshevelled, this doesn't seem like him at all. Oh my goodness, he's so ungraceful! So uncoordinated! Yet, Suzuki's fiery energy has overtaken Sugiki's cold heart, and he's moving purely out of raw desire.

Kiss

AHHHH THE KISS. THE KISS!!! Before I knew how to react, the couple's first kiss turned into a ferocious makeout session. They were slamming against doors. Falling into chairs. Arms wrapped around each other. Like omg, are they gonna do it right here on the subway!? Sugiki's actor (Keita Machida) starred in the BL drama Cherry Magic, but the leads never kissed. For years, fans wondered if the actors were against same-sex intimacy. Now that Mr. Machida has officially beaten the allegations… Eiji Akaso, your move?

During the iconic kiss, 10Dance makes some interesting artistic choices. This scene uses a lot of shaky camera movements, which stand out because the rest of the film is shot so clearly and neatly. As the couple wanders through the train, they seem like a blur. I interpret this dizziness as Suzuki bringing chaos into Sugiki's world. Before they met, Sugiki's life was calm. He valued stability and lived by a strict routine. Suddenly, Suzuki's kiss triggers an explosion of emotions. It's messy! It's intense! Sugiki's orderly world is spinning out of control. And you know what? He's actually enjoying the chaos.

Another noticeable detail is the wintery decor on the train. The windows and corridors are covered in snowflakes everywhere. My interpretation? Snowflakes are chilly, rigid, and symmetrical, totally like Sugiki's character. Yet, they melt upon physical touch. The movie uses a metaphor to describe how this romance causes Sugiki's icy exterior to defrost. Notice how the couple smashes against the decorative snowflakes when they make out. Every kiss breaks a snowflake, at least symbolically. The warmth that comes from loving Suzuki can thaw Suzuki's cold heart.

Grim Reaper

Unfortunately, one passionate moment isn't enough to undo a lifetime of repressed emotions. As soon as the kiss ended, Sugiki's mood was already cooling down. He used up all his courage, falling silent without explaining what had just happened. It isn't in his nature to talk about his feelings. Kiss? Yeah, go ahead. Be completely vulnerable? No way. The movie lingers on the snowflakes in the background, like a reminder that his heart is still frozen. Nice try, Suzuki, but you haven't completely defrosted the ice king.

Sugiki's nickname is the Grim Reaper, a mythical figure associated with death. Before Suzuki came along, Sugiki was dead on the inside. The Grim Reaper isn't supposed to have feelings. He heartlessly executes a duty. That's why the subway kiss is such a big deal. For a few minutes, he stopped being the Reaper and let himself come alive. Now, Sugiki retreats into his shell again, but Suzuki seems determined to save him. He calls himself the angel who'll defeat the Grim Reaper of Blackpool. Oh wow, I love this comparison! Suzuki is the light and the soul of the story. He makes it his mission to fight through Sugiki's darkness.

Suzuki has no idea he already saved Sugiki once. Years ago, Sugiki wanted to quit dancing, but Suzuki's performance inspired him to continue. Sugiki reveals this emotional backstory just as Suzuki steps off the subway. The doors close before Suzuki can respond. Ah, the timing sucks! Sugiki is only brave enough to be honest when there's a glass barrier protecting him. As the train pulls away, Suzuki is alone on the platform, highlighting the couple's distance. In their next chat, Sugiki only talks about competitions. For now, their romance is on hold. It's back to business as usual.

Liana

Suzuki starts competing internationally. He meets Liana, Sugiki's former dance partner and ex-girlfriend. We don't see much of Liana, but her dating history is epic. This diva broke up with Sugiki, the world runner-up, just to get cozy with Giulio, the world champion. Wow, she is POWERFUL. Liana treats the other dancers like pieces on a chessboard, and I respect her strategic maneuvering! However, Suzuki isn't a fan. Liana's presence sends him into a downward spiral, but his feelings are more complex than just jealousy.

At the World Championships, Sugiki performs an intimate dance with Liana. He brags about how they stole Giulio's spotlight. Suzuki is annoyed because Sugiki seems totally fine with his ex. Liana broke his heart and betrayed him for his enemy! It makes sense for there to be anger, sadness, or hatred between them. Yet, Sugiki can put aside his feelings and dance perfectly with her, faking every bit of sincerity. This emotional detachment troubles Suzuki, reminding him of Sugiki's cold-blooded nature. Sugiki uses Liana as a prop to win over Giulio, just like how he treats Fusako as an instrument for technical scores.

Suzuki notices an alarming pattern. Sugiki can shut off his emotions, fake sincerity, and treat people like tools. He did it with Fusako. He did it with Liana. And here's Suzuki's biggest worry: is he using me too? Is he just another one of Sugiki's puppets to polish his dance career? Is he like Fusako with better abs? One of their earlier conflicts is Suzuki's desire to enter the ballroom circuit. Yet, Sugiki won't let him officially debut until 10 Dance. Back then, Suzuki felt controlled. This fear has only worsened since then, making him doubt the power dynamics in their relationship.

Sex

Suzuki has developed real feelings for Sugiki. However, he worries that his partner is only using him as a strategic advantage to win the 10 Dance trophy. Suzuki tries to initiate sex, but not because he's horny. Instead, he's insecure and needs reassurance about their relationship. Sex can bring out Sugiki's true desires, confirming to Suzuki that he isn't the only one in love. If they can recreate the same raw passion from the subway, it proves that Sugiki loves him too, and he's not just another Liana or Fusako.

Suzuki hates the idea of being the only one in love. It leaves him feeling powerless, like Sugiki is using him and controlling his heart. For Suzuki, sex becomes a way to regain power in their relationship. He's on top of Sugiki, asserting dominance over him. You can't use me because I'm in control! The first sexual encounter is usually an epic milestone. BL fans should be shouting "TOUCHDOWN!!!" at the screen, but the atmosphere is off. Suzuki's behaviour seems reckless. He's angry, drunk, and driven by insecurity. His emotions feel chaotic and almost dangerous. Instead of having sex, Suzuki is trying to overpower Sugiki.

Sugiki feels conflicted. A part of him wants to surrender to the moment. He did it once on the subway, following his raw desire. But ultimately, this isn't him. Sugiki is the master of discipline, a man who built his life on self-restraint. Reckless behaviour makes him uncomfortable, going against all his instincts. If he keeps acting on impulse, is that even Shinya Sugiki anymore? Being uninhibited and having drunk sex is too out of character for him. So, Sugiki shuts it down. He even grabs Suzuki's throat, reminding him who's in control. Sugiki refuses to get swept up into the chaos.

Enemy

The night Suzuki and Sugiki almost had sex is the darkest moment in this movie. Sugiki brutally rejects his partner, even labelling him as his enemy. It's not just because of the dance rivalry. Sugiki has spent his whole life building a fortress of discipline. He's proud of his ability to control his emotions. Yet, Suzuki has been tearing down that fortress. His passion is too strong, and Sugiki finds it so hard to resist him. He can't focus or think clearly. To Sugiki, anyone who causes him to lose his restraint is a threat, so that's why he treats Suzuki as an enemy.

Of course, Suzuki is completely devastated. He has developed genuine feelings, only for Sugiki to slap a hostile label on their relationship. Excuse me!? YOU CALLED ME A WHAT!? On a deeper level, the betrayal hurts the most. It confirms his darkest fear that Sugiki was just using him. His partner can easily flip a switch and turn a lover into an enemy. This type of emotional detachment undermines every spark they shared. Now, Suzuki feels stupid for being the only one to fall in love. He's wondering if their bond was even real.

The movie's final arc is set months after the couple broke up. Well, technically, they were never an official couple. More like "I once kissed you on the subway, we almost had sex, but I grabbed your throat and stopped you" type of relationship. Anyway, it's over. They're no longer communicating. They don't train together anymore. In fact, a mopey Suzuki quits dancing for a while. Thankfully, Aki snaps him out of his funk. Now, Suzuki and Aki are competing at the Asian Cup. And there, he reunites with Sugiki for the first time since everything went up in flames…

Love

Martha's quote gets repeated several times during the movie. "Dance is neither about technique nor stamina. Love is what makes it whole." The first part is a jab at the two leads. Technique refers to Sugiki's technical precision, while stamina highlights Suzuki's passionate energy. Both are elite dancers, but skill and enthusiasm aren't enough to make you the best. The second part is more open to interpretation. For me, "love" means admiration. It's what you learn from another dancer after realizing their strength is what you're missing.

Sugiki has perfected every angle and every step, but his performances lack warmth. When you watch him dance, you might be impressed by his technical skill, but you never actually smile. It's Suzuki who teaches Sugiki how to show passion and add an exciting spark to his movements. Meanwhile, Suzuki has a raw power and frantic energy that can fill a room. The problem is that he lacks Sugiki's discipline, making his movements feel uncoordinated. He's all fire with no fireplace to contain it. Sugiki teaches Suzuki to show restraint. Take all that chaotic energy and focus it into a graceful dance routine.

Suzuki loses the Asian Cup, but that doesn't mean he's missing the "love" from Martha's quote. It means he has more to learn. Suzuki has already changed, adopting some of Sugiki's classic qualities. One, he gains ambition. At the start, Suzuki didn't give a damn about international contests, but now he's hungry for them. Two, he gains composure. Even though he's bitter about the Asian Cup loss, he closes his eyes to stay calm. No more embarrassing outbursts like we saw at the World Championships. This sportsmanship is what he learned from admiring Sugiki's discipline.

Vulnerability

Throughout the movie, everyone keeps saying Sugiki is missing something in his dances. If only he had [REDACTED], Shinya Sugiki would be the best dancer in the universe! What does he lack? It's vulnerability. All his life, Sugiki has avoided showing his feelings. He hides his emotions because they reveal a messy side of himself, making him less perfect. Sugiki carries that caution into his dancing, but the audience and judges want to see more rawness. Drop the mask! Lose the composure! Vulnerability can turn a routine into a moment.

At last, Sugiki understands that hiding his emotions has held back his performances. So, he follows his heart and does something incredible. Sugiki asks Suzuki to dance with him at the Asian Cup. OMG WHAT!!! They're at a world-class competition in front of a large crowd, yet Sugiki pulls a partner swap!? Amazingly, this isn't a planned stunt. Sugiki is hilariously impulsive, tapping into the same chaotic energy as the subway kiss. He has learned to be spontaneous! In both cases, he takes a risk because Suzuki could reject him. Yet, a part of being vulnerable is giving someone else the power to break your heart.

Suzuki accepts the dance. THANK GOD. It would've been so awkward if Sugiki made that public gesture only to get rejected. I love seeing the leads perform! It's meaningful how the ballroom dances showcase Suzuki's graceful side, while the Latin dances highlight Sugiki's enthusiasm. What I notice most is how vibrant Sugiki looks. His energy is high. His smile is radiant. His joy makes the whole performance come alive. If he stayed in his comfort zone with Fusako, it would've been a nice, forgettable routine. Instead, Sugiki and Suzuki created a showstopping finale.

Rivalry

Before the finale, Suzuki and Sugiki's relationship was tense. This dance cleared the air between them, not completely, but it addressed many concerns. First off, what Sugiki did was very brave, especially the kiss at the end of the performance. Suzuki wanted confirmation that his partner cared about him. Guess what? They're on the Jumbotron! Sugiki declared his love in a public space, putting his professional reputation on the line. It's the ultimate proof of his feelings, which should ease Suzuki's worries about whether their love was real.

Previously, Sugiki stopped Suzuki from making his ballroom debut until the 10 Dance contest. His decision made him seem controlling. But now, Sugiki changed his mind and helped Suzuki make an earlier debut. See? Sugiki isn't a control freak! He can compromise rather than steamroll his partner. Also, the movie's twist is that they didn't compete in 10 Dance yet. (Maybe they're saving that for a sequel?) I prefer that their big performance happened in a non-competitive setting, which strips away the rivalry. For this moment, they're just two dancers sharing a stage as equals, balancing their power dynamics.

Sugiki says the last line in the movie: "See you in the 10 Dance final!" A simple phrase, but it's an interesting choice of words. For a guy obsessed with victory, Sugiki surprisingly doesn't mention winning or defeating Suzuki. Instead, his only priority is seeing more of Suzuki. Isn't that sweet? I know their rivalry is still simmering in the background. However, I love that the movie ends with this lighthearted final line. It's not too competitive. It sounds a bit flirty. It gives us hope that Sugiki doesn't view Suzuki as an enemy, but just someone he wants to keep in his life.