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Mao's Last Dancer
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    A drama based on the autobiography by Li Cunxin. At the age of 11, Li was plucked from a poor Chinese village by Madame Mao's cultural delegates and taken to Beijing to study ballet. In 1979, during a cultural exchange to Texas, he fell in love with an American woman. Two years later, he managed to defect and went on to perform as a principal dancer for the Houston Ballet and as a principal artist with the Australian Ballet.

    Rated: [ PG ] Infrequent mild violence and coarse language
    Cinema release: 1 Oct 2009
    Director: Bruce Beresford
    Running time: 117 mins
    Stars: Chi Cao, Chengwu Guo, Joan Chen, Kyle MacLachlan
    Links: IMDb
    Rotten Tomatoes

    What we say
    Go to the cinema, enjoy the ballet

    Paul Stock, MovieFix  
    2.5 star rating
    The choreography is beautiful and the contrasting dance styles do a good job of communicating some of the ideological differences between communist China and the free-market United States. Director Bruce Beresford's adaptation of Li Cunxin's award-winning autobiography, "Mao's Last Dancer", may have made for a better ballet than a film.

    Arriving in the United States in 1981 on a cultural exchange as a dancer with the Houston Ballet, Li (Chi Cao) is bemused and enthralled by the Western influences he's been taught in China to distrust. It's vastly different to the life he's led growing up in rural Shandong province then training at the Beijing Dance Academy in the 1970s, which we witness through flashbacks for the first half of the film.

    The rest of the film is much more linear and depicts the muddled circumstances that led to Li's decision to defect as well as some of the political machinations that complicated that decision.

    Frustratingly, the drama arrives half-an-hour too late, the motives seem mixed and the outcome too amiable for the level of intrigue depicted. At times the film feels a little bit like "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story" meets "Centre Stage", but with communists (lite) throwing spanners in the works.

    Putting aside that Sydney audiences may be distracted by familiar city locations masquerading as Houston in the early 1980s, the main problem with "Mao's Last Dancer" will probably be its redeeming quality for many audience members.

    A number of elegant dancers have been cast in leading roles, but the dialogue is delivered less convincingly than the pirouettes are performed. Mind you, it's probably easier to forgive overly earnest acting than it would've been to ignore clumsy dancing, particularly if you fancy going to the cinema to see the ballet.

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    What you say
    Mao's Last Dancer

     
    Add a review
    What you say
    What a beautiful movie
    4.5 star rating
    it was a pleasure to watch this movie.

    the sensitivity, courage and story was one of pure joy to watch.

    this film certainly shows the viewers how a movie should be presented. well done Bruce Beresford and your cast

    thankyou for giving me a few hours of pleasure watching this delightful movie

    Meg
    Adelaide, SA
    29 Nov 2009
    Loved the dancing, but...
    Beautiful to watch, and the dancing was mesmerizing. My date, a cranky guy who detests ballet really enjoyed it. That said, I was less impressed by the overall execution of the story, too sentimental and working too hard to push the audience's buttons.

    Anonymous
    NSW
    17 Nov 2009
    Absolutely brilliant.
    An absolutely amazing movie. The making of the movie was partially contributed by li cunxin himself, and he is happy the way the movie has portrayed his life. I highly recommend watching this movie, if you do not know who li cunxin is, watch it and learn about the amazing story of an ordinary individual born in poverty-stricken China who arose to became one of the world's famous dancers back in the day. Very touching and inspirational. Absolutely blown away.

    Anonymous
    Perth, WA
    8 Nov 2009
    thought it was going to be bad i was wrong!
    4 star rating
    its not a film for everyone but the subtle change from the average movie was good. moving in a emotional way.

    jackamo
    Busselton, WA
    7 Nov 2009
    Superb
    5 star rating
    One of thebest movies I have ever seen in my longish life. A commendable and accurate presentation of an inspiring true story. A must see, and ensure you see it on the big screen.

    Michael
    Kallista, VIC
    7 Nov 2009
    homesick for Shandong
    3.5 star rating
    The acting was a little corny, the dancing spectacular, but the highlight for me were the memories of living in Shandong province 2002-2006 . The villages depicted in the 1970's are the same today. We have visited/stayed in many rural areas just like that. So for rural China, life is much the same. There were so many funny moments when I thought...yes, that is just how they would react (the mother turning on public security after she was disciplined for having a bad son) . Will watch it again just for a walk down memory lane and recommend the book.

    Ronny
    Brisbane, QLD
    7 Nov 2009
    'Moa's Last Dancer'
    5 star rating
    WOW!! a 10/10. i have read the book and it was amazing but to see it in a movie was magical. i dont know if i liked it just because i'm a dancer but i found this movie fantastic!!

    EMILY
    Perth, WA
    25 Oct 2009
    [Untitled]
    5 star rating
    it's 10/10, I have seen it three time now, just cant get enough of it. the book is great too!

    Billena
    Sydney, NSW
    19 Oct 2009
    SUPER!!!
    4.5 star rating
    Great movie. Very emotional. I LOVE IT

    Linley
    Melbourne, VIC
    18 Oct 2009
    Clumsy acting but nice to watch
    2.5 star rating
    I must say I can't rave about this movie... So many akward moments and attempts at humour. The dancing was brilliant but the plot predictable and acting mostly woeful. I shed a tear or two but the first half hour was painful. Go for the dancing.

    Anna
    Sydney, NSW
    17 Oct 2009
    [Untitled]
    3 star rating
    It is a surprisingly good movie, given the dismal review it receives here. It is a rag-to-riches story, but doesn't have a dramatic ending such as the Slumdog Millionaire. The thing is this one is based on a true story, so I guess you can't make it too dramatic, otherwise, it would distort the facts.

    The guy was funny. There were a few laughs and touching moments in the movie.

    There is plenty of ballets too! I enjoyed it though.

    Peter
    Perth, WA
    17 Oct 2009
    Did not do justice to an epic tale.
    2.5 star rating
    The early part of the film held interest and the dancers and dance scenes are admittedly engrossing & fabulous. However the scenes in the Chinese consulate were v wooden and the relationship between Lee & Elizabeth was vdull & shallow viewing. One to watch at home. You can make at least four cups of tea in the dull bits. Doesn't quite do the book justice.

    Zinny
    VIC
    16 Oct 2009
    Moving, Inspiring.... a real treat!
    4.5 star rating
    Visually beautiful, emotionally uplifting and touching complete with an opportunity for a cultural experience on the Chinese revolution and in contrast the excessive lifestyle of the USA at the time. Acting from the actors who play Li and his first wife were flawless. I found Mao's Last Dancer moving, inspiring and if like me you enjoy ballet a real treat!

    G. Griffis
    Sydney, NSW
    15 Oct 2009
    Oh what a terrific movie!
    4.5 star rating
    This is an inspiring movie based on a true story. Very very touching, good acting, marvellous dancing (despite the review!), and al eye-opener of a story. Do yourself a favour and get immersed in this story.

    Anonymous
    Adelaide, SA
    14 Oct 2009
    a refreshing change from the usual blockbuster special effects movies
    4.5 star rating
    We loved this movie.

    A REFRESHING CHANGE from those blockbuster, special effects ridden, car chasing, got to have something blown up films.

    Based on real life.... not some weird, unreal world that too many films are obsessed with and based upon.

    They handed out tissues at our theatre, the movie has a happy ending, but a cry happy ending.

    Anonymous
    Wangaratta, VICT
    14 Oct 2009
    Best movie this year
    5 star rating
    My wife invited me to this movie fearing that I would not enjoy it. I felt like applauding the movie at the end. As far as the critics comments, well sometimes you just have to take in the entirety of a film rather than lampoon the actors and the set. It is just a film, not a film reference for Houston or anywhere else. I also applaud the writers for creating a film that had clean written all over it, rather than the trash that has to have sex sex sex and graphic violence etc. Well Done!

    Graeme
    Albury, NSW
    14 Oct 2009
    Brillant!!!!!!!!!
    4.5 star rating
    Truly an inspiring story. The film tells most of the story from the book. Beautifully acted and the dancing is truly breath taking. Highly recommend to one and all.....

    Anonymous
    Cairns, QLD
    14 Oct 2009
    Best movie i have ever seen
    5 star rating
    You really gotta watch it. Best movie ever!!!

    Anonymous
    Sydney, NSW
    13 Oct 2009
    [Untitled]
    4 star rating
    Definitely woorth more than two and a half stars. This is a great film, wonderful story, amazing acting and stunning dance sequences. Enjoyed every minute of it. Fantastic!

    Salome
    Adelaide, SA
    12 Oct 2009
    'Mao's Last Dancer' Exceptional Movie
    5 star rating
    I had already read the book which brought tears to my eyes and the movie has done the same. This is a wonderful story and this movie is worth seeing. Both my friend and I agreed we could not fault it.

    Regular Movie Watcher
    Newcastle, NSW
    11 Oct 2009
    [Untitled]
    5 star rating
    Excellent movie ,very close to the book.Enjoyed it very much ,worth 5 stars.

    Anonymous
    Brisbane, QLD
    8 Oct 2009
    Passionate and moving, beautiful ballet
    4 star rating
    Mao's Last Dancer is a very well-put-together movie to watch. I loved the whole movie, start to finish. I would reccomend it for everyone 8 years and older for there is a lot of subtitles and because of the dancing, 7 year olds and under might find it a bit boring. The ballet was very beautiful and well rehearsed and the actor of Li Cunxin was absolutely amazing! It is so passionate, I loved it!

    B. Siva
    Sydney, NSW
    7 Oct 2009
    iloveeee it!
    5 star rating
    It is a awesome movie for the family! i have read the book as well. Excellent entertainment, for everyone!!!!!!! must see it!

    xavi
    Sydney, NSW
    7 Oct 2009
    Amazing Movie
    5 star rating
    I'd have to disagree with the above review. I thought this was an absolutely incredible movie. Definitely worth going to see!!

    Tom
    Melbourne, VIC
    6 Oct 2009


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