MOVIE

Mao's Last Dancer

4.5
(175)
Rating
PG
Duration
1h 57m
Year
2009

About

From Academy Award® nominees, director Bruce Beresford (TENDER MERCIES, DRIVING MISS DAISY), comes the remarkable true story of ballet dancer Li Cunxin. Based on the best selling autobiography, MAO'S LAST DANCER is the epic story of a young poverty stricken boy from China and his inspirational journey to international stardom as a world-class dancer. The story begins when a young Li is taken from his peasant home by the Chinese government and chosen to study ballet in Beijing. Separated from his family and enduring countless hours of practice, Li struggles to find his place in the new life he has been given. Gaining confidence from a kind teacher's encouraging guidance and a chance trip to America, Li finally discovers that his passion has always been dance. MAO'S LAST DANCER weaves a moving tale about the quest for freedom and the courage it takes to live your own life. The film poignantly captures the struggles, triumphs and the intoxicating effects of first love and celebrity amid the pain of exile.

Related Subjects

Reviews

"[Mao's Last Dancer] is also exemplary, if for no other reason than to demonstrate that the drama of dance yields serious cinematic stories."
Rebecca J. Ritzel, The Washington Post
"The film celebrates artistic freedom without preaching a sermon, and often flies when Mr. Chi is on screen."
Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal

Extended Details

  • SubtitlesEnglish
  • Closed CaptionsEnglish

Artists