Mao’s Last Dancer
Reviewed By Alyn Darnay
Directed by Bruce Beresford
Staring: Chi Cao as Li Cunxin, Bruce Greenwood as Lance Fender, Kyle MacLachlan as Charles Foster, and Joan Chen as Niang.
“Mao’s Last Dancer†is a true rags-to-riches story with a controversial theme based in the world of international ballet. Based upon his book, it portends to be the autobiography of 1980’s Chinese Ballet sensation Li Cunxin, who gained international fame with the Houston Ballet Academy.
Unfortunately, despite several outstanding dance sequences, the story itself falls short, drifting into melodrama and resorting to clichés instead of trying to actually tell its compelling story. The film does, however, manage to redeem itself through an emotionally powerful conclusion.
Portraying Mr. Cunxin, is the remarkable Chi Cao, a gifted dancer and principal with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, making an impressive screen debut. To watch him is to enjoy the art of dance; his style is flawless and reminiscent of the very best male dancers of years past. Here he gets the opportunity to perform in several different ballet excerpts, the most impressive and memorable is his short interpretation of “Don Quixote.†If you love Ballet, the movement and richness on display here will not disappoint you, though I wish there had been more, it would have made for a better film.
Li Cunxin’s story begins when he is an eleven-year-old schoolboy, the sixth son of poverty stricken parents in rural China during its Cultural Revolution. He is tested and chosen for his physique to be sent to Beijing for rigorous dance training. The story relates his fears, challenges, struggles, and adventures until at eighteen years of age he begins his climb to stardom.
In the hands of Australian director Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy) the film’s pace tends to walk instead of run and the attempt at emotional romantic drama fails miserably.
There are however, wonderful moments delivered by the excellent supporting cast, Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek), Kyle Maclachlan (Sex and the City), and Joan Chen (THE LAST EMPEROR) all deliver beautifully under played performances.
I liked the film for the dance sequences but wanted to see more of them. The musical score was another highlight with a wonderful mix of Oriental and Classic styles. Eventually, I did get swept up in the whole story when it turned into a showdown with the Chinese Government over Li Cunxin’s desired defection to the West, however, don’t look for a heavy weight story here, you won’t find it.
Alyn’s rating: 3 Stars (3 of 5 Palm Trees)
“Mao’s Last Dancer†is rated PG.