Review of Mao’s Last Dancer (2009) by Judy G — 14 Jul 2011

You get a lot for the price of your ticket in this movie. First there is an insight into the recent history of China where even after the death of Mao, the Chinese government tried to control the minds their people as well as their freedom and spirit.

You also get some wonderful pieces of classical ballet choreographed by Australians Graeme Murphy and Janet Vernon. But most of all you get the true, very touching story of Li Cunxin based on his autobiography and an excellent screenplay by Jan Sardi.

At age 11 he was plucked from his rural cold, snowy school to leave his peasant parents and 5 siblings in order to live and study full time at a dance academy in Beijing. We follow him through three actors who play him at various stages in his youth and finally to his portrayal as a young man by Chi Cao who himself is an accomplished dancer.

Interestingly, Cao's real life parents had been teachers of Li Cunxin. Director Bruce Beresford switching back in forth to various time periods shows the development of this talented evolving dancer.

After leaving his family to train in Beijing, the next big event is as an 18 year old when he is invited on a cultural exchange to the Houston Ballet Academy by it's director Ben Stevenson (Bruce Geenwood).

There is culture shock as he had been brainwashed to believe that the US was quite the opposite of what he saw and experienced in 1980's Houston Texas. There is romance, his recognition of his talent and his potential.

Then there is a confrontation with the long arm of China that is pulling him back there. Much of the film is actually shot in China as well as in Houston Texas. The scenes and the people in the rural village appear quite authentic.

The story easily evokes tears and yet reminds us of an important lesson that is the theme of the movie and a line in it., Before You Can Fly You Have To Be Free . (2010).