Opening today in limited release, Mao's Last Dancer, from Samuel Goldwyn Films. Directed by Bruce Beresford, the film tells the true rags-to-riches story of Chinese ballet dancer Li Cunxin, who was chosen as a boy to train at Madam Mao's Beijing Dance Academy and later went on to become one of the world's great dancers.
Here's the official synopsis from the press notes:
Based on Li's 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.And here's the trailer:
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.
It's dance, politics, and the politics of dance, based on the autobiography
by Li Cunxin. Dancer Chi Cao makes his screen debut as Li, leading a cast that includes Bruce Greenwood, Kyle MacLachlan and Joan Chen. I haven't seen it, but it picked up some good buzz and a couple of awards on the film festival trail, and is generally receiving favorable reviews. For more information about the film, go to the Mao's Last Dancer website here.