Mao’s Last Dancer

By Alicia Malone

A couple of years ago I was working behind the scenes at Channel Seven’s breakfast TV show ”Sunrise”. During that time a lot of guests came and went, but one in particular stuck in my mind. Li Cunxin, a retired ballet dancer from China was interviewed about his autobiographical book ”Mao’s Last Dancer”, which is one of those novels that is hard to put down; a riveting story made all the more remarkable by the fact that it is true. Fast-forward to this week, and the film based on the book based on Li’s life has finally been released in cinemas.

Li (Huang Wen Bin) was only eleven years old when he was taken from his family to be trained as a ballet dancer for Madame Mao, the wife of Communist China leader Chairman Mao. During this time he wasn’t able to see or even speak to his family, and had to train in ballet for many hours every day.

Years later Li (Chi Cao) was given the rare opportunity to travel to America and train with the Houston Ballet Company. He quickly became the star of the company, fell in love with aspiring ballerina Liz (Amanda Schull), and understandably didn’t want to return to China. The only way to stay in America was to officially defect, meaning many more years without seeing his family.

The story is what makes this film so fascinating to watch, and it’s been well translated to the big screen by writer Jan Sardi (”Shine”) and director Bruce Beresford. The themes of love, politics and living your dreams leap off the screen, sure to touch every audience member whether they have read the book or not.

In his first ever film Chi Cao does an excellent job as the older Li, but Bruce Greenwood really steals the show as Ben, the gay artistic director of the Houston Ballet Company. It’s a very different role for the 53-year-old actor, and I’ll be very surprised if he doesn’t get a Best Supporting Actor nomination at next year’s Academy Awards.

Though a touch too long ”Mao’s Last Dancer” will take you on an enjoyable and emotional ride. The dancing is magnificent to watch, and the story will touch your heart. Take your friends, take your family, just don’t forget to take tissues!

Extras : (Unpreviewed)