Make Your Move (2014) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place in two locations: New Orleans and Brooklyn. New Orleans provides the backdrop for Donny's tap dancing journey with its rich cultural heritage, jazz music, and street performances. Brooklyn's bustling nightlife and diverse underground dance scene serves as the setting for the rival dance clubs that drive the story's central conflict.

• new orleans
• brooklyn
• setting
• locations
• dance clubs

Make Your Move is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern urban life and the current struggles of young artists pursuing their dreams. The underground dance scene depicted showcases both current trends and the timeless appeal of dance as a form of artistic expression.

• contemporary
• modern
• time period
• urban life

Donny is the film's protagonist, played by Will Yun Lee. He is an ex-convict with a deep passion for tap dancing who is seeking redemption and stability in his life. Despite his rough past, Donny remains hopeful and is driven by his desire to pursue his passion for dance and find meaningful connection with others.

• donny
• will yun lee
• protagonist
• ex-convict
• tap dancer

Aya, played by BoA, is a talented dancer and member of the Cobu Girls dance group. She is the sister of Kaz, who runs a rival dance club, placing her in the middle of the ongoing conflict between the two brothers. Her character embodies grace and determination as she navigates between familial loyalty and her personal aspirations.

• aya
• boa
• cobu girls
• dancer
• kaz sister

The rivalry centers on two underground dance clubs run by feuding brothers: Kaz, who runs a rival club, and Nick, Donny's foster brother who owns the club Static. This conflict goes beyond mere competition for popularity, it represents the cutthroat nature of the underground dance world and creates the emotional stakes that affect Donny and Aya's developing relationship.

• rivalry
• dance clubs
• kaz
• nick
• feud
• brothers

The film explores two primary themes: Love & Ambition, and Rivalry. The love story between Donny and Aya develops against a backdrop of personal and professional challenges, showing how love can flourish even in difficult circumstances. The rivalry between dance clubs emphasizes the competitive nature of the dance world and highlights the emotional stakes for all characters involved.

• themes
• love
• ambition
• rivalry
• dance

Kaz, played by Derek Hough, is Aya's older brother and the main antagonist of the film. He runs a rival underground dance club and embodies the cutthroat spirit of the underground scene, showing determination to succeed at all costs. His actions create significant tension throughout the story, impacting both his own life and his sister Aya's dreams.

• kaz
• derek hough
• antagonist
• rival club
• older brother

Nick, played by Wesley Jonathan, is Donny's foster brother and the owner of the dance club Static. He is characterized by his strong leadership and loyalty to his club and family. His protective nature toward Donny and his involvement in the competing rivalry with Kaz creates complex relationship dynamics throughout the film.

• nick
• wesley johnathan
• static club
• foster brother
• owner

Make Your Move features tap dancing as a central dance style, particularly through Donny's character. The film showcases various dance forms within the underground club scene, blending contemporary dance trends with the traditional art of tap. The energetic dance sequences are a key element of the film's vibrant atmosphere.

• tap dancing
• dance
• dance style
• performances

The film has a hopeful tone, with the central love story blossoming against the backdrop of intense rivalry between dance clubs. While there are moments of tension from the club feud, the primary focus on energetic dance sequences and the developing romance provides regular moments of release and joy. The story suggests that passion and art can triumph over conflict.

• tone
• mood
• hopeful
• romance
• energy

Make Your Move has a light emotional weight overall. Despite the conflict and high stakes for the characters, including concerns about deportation, parole, and business rivalry, the story is framed through the electrifying and artistic medium of dance. This spectacle approach leans more toward entertainment and joy than deep emotional trauma, resulting in an uplifting viewing experience.

• emotional weight
• tone
• light
• entertainment
• dance

The narrative is straightforward and linear, involving two opposing sides, rival dance clubs, and a central romance that draws a direct parallel to the Montague and Capulet story. The pacing is fast, driven by frequent dance-offs, the escalation of the club feud, and the time-sensitive nature of certain deadlines. There are no significant subplots or structural complexity.

• narrative
• structure
• pacing
• straightforward
• linear