Based on the inspiring autobiography of Li Cunxin, Mao’s Last Dancer chronicles the hardships and ultimate triumphs of a young boy, removed from his family in poverty stricken China and developed into one of the world’s most renowned ballet dancers.
Directed by Bruce Beresford, the film delivers a succinct interpretation of the book of the same name.
The cultural and political divide that exists is played out against a backdrop of affluent western civilisation, high society and the hotly contested ballet stage.
As a young boy Li Cunxin was chosen under the communist rule of Chairman Mao to be moulded into a ballet dancer. This was the opportunity of a lifetime; a chance to escape the life of poverty and oppression that otherwise awaited him.
What followed was years of loneliness as Li, separated from his family, endured physical and psychological conditioning, and borderline abuse at the hands of strict rule.
Li was invited to train in the United States of America where he experienced a life of material wealth and freedom, a life far removed from the world he knew and the life he would eventually leave behind.
Li Cunxin travelled the world dancing to honour the family that he believed he would never see again after being exiled by his homeland China.
The Arts and politics take centre stage in this inspiring film about family values, dreams fulfilled and personal triumph.
One drawback, was it really necessary to cast Deni Hines as a news reporter from the Houston Chronicle, complete with tight curls and American accent?
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