Review of Mao’s Last Dancer (2009) by Heidy P — 01 Oct 2009

What a fascinating story. Let's face it, the publicity shot is fantastic and the movie trailer is very alluring! And while I have not read the book, I am suitably intrigued, and tempted to read it over the summer holidays.

And here is another fascinating aspect,...I don't think it was particularly well translated onto film. I don't mean from Chinese to English, I mean from print to film. There seemed to be obvious gaps in the plot and I was left wondering when would key characters develop, only to discover that they would not.

For my part, while Schull is a stunner, she cannot act and I wish someone would tell her, scenes that were presumably shot in Houston were obviously shot in Sydney, Thompson should be arrested for overacting, and Li's relationship with Kennedy was entirely overlooked and 'tacked on' almost as an afterthought (which was very disappointing).

In all, I don't think it had the depth and emotion I had anticipated, (which interestingly, is itself a criticism of the Chinese dancers at one stage).

I'd be interested in the opinions of those who have read and loved the book. Did you find the film satisfying?