Mao’s Last Dancer
Australia/China
2009
117 mins
Director Bruce Beresford
Starring Chi Cao, Bruce Greenwood, Penne Hackforth-Jones
Language Mandarin Chinese, English (Part subtitled)

Li Cunxin’s best-selling 2003 autobiography told of his barely credible journey from poverty-stricken peasant childhood in rural China during the Cultural Revolution to becoming one of the West’s leading classical ballet stars. Bruce Beresford’s handsome movie version captures the epic simplicity of Li’s story. Chi Cao, Principal Dancer of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, brilliantly plays the title role where the choreography is a big factor in the film’s strong emotional impact. A feel-good film bursting with courage, energy and overwhelming inspiration.

Winner Best Music Score 2009 Australian Film Institute

Best Foreign Language Film 2009 Sao Paulo Film Festival

Your Reaction:

Average = 8.63

Comments:

Brilliant.

Beautiful dancing.

Uplifting!!!

Great story, shame about the Americans!

Tripe.

A bit slow in parts, but great emotional payoff.