Mao's Last Dancer (2009)
Infrequent mild violence and coarse language
| Director: | Bruce Beresford |
| Actors: | Chi Cao, Bruce Greenwood, Joan Chen, Amanda Schull, Aden Young, Kyle MacLachlan, Jack Thompson, Alice Parkinson |
Mao's last dancer is based on the extraordinary true story and memoirs by Cunxin Li, who, from the Shandong Province in China, was plucked at the age of 10 from his poverty stricken small village school to train to be a dancer in Beijing. Enduring the strict discipline of the Academy of Dance and suffering the heartache of separation from his family, Li ultimately seizes the gift of his incredible opportunity with determination to succeed. He was later offered to study with one of the top ballet companies in the world, the Houston Ballet in America. Li's fate could so easily have been the anguish of an individual who vanished, like millions of other peasants living amidst the chaos of Mao's Cultural Revolution, but there was to be another and more thrilling destiny for Li. One day he would have to make an agonising choice between duty and freedom. One day he would be regarded as one of the greatest ballet dancers of his time. One day he would be a friend to a president and first lady, movie stars and the most influential people in America. One day he would become a star: Mao's last dancer and the darling of East and West.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 117mins |
| Origin: | AUSTRALIA |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (129)
129 Member
Reviews
says
An amazing and heartfelt movie. A pleasure that such movies are still made. 100% excellent
Autumn Sadie
says
Mao's Last Dancer is an incredible film! The cinematography and direction is breath-taking. Each shot in the film could work as a stand-alone photograph, the transitions between shots are perfect and the flashbacks to childhood are integrated wonderfully for coherence and flow. It is a long film, yes, but it is a truly captivating experience. Beautiful dancing, great soundtrack/ score.... Really overall I cannot fault this film- it was spectacular- Worth watching, 5 stars!!!
Vanessa
says
Brilliant film
Steve
says
Brilliant
Missy71
says
Good story, great dancing :)
Maggi
says
A wonderful story with a great inmsight into life in China.
Pity the DVD only went almost to the end..
I was finding the ending was getting tedious so that was actually good.
Tricia
says
Excellent
Kerren
says
This is a fabulous movie and shows culture diversity brilliantly
deird
says
Watched this at theatre 1st, loved so much had to revisit on DVD.
Shellyd
says
Mao's Last Dancer is an epic tale of love and betrayal, triumph and heartbreak, that captures the real-life drama and emotion of one man's search for freedom. It is one of my favourite movies and I loved watching it again. Even if you're not into ballet - you should watch this, the dancing is great and such a powerful message based on a true story..
Kylie M
says
Powerful movie, had me captivated! A must see.
trev D
says
what a brilliant movie...very moving
Sally
says
Inspiring and uplifting.
Liz
says
Well executed, moving
Jane
says
This was a most enjoyable movie. The life journey of this rather wonderful man was entrancing to watch. I recommend this movie to you.
Rebecca
says
I could not take my eyes from the screen. I totally enjoyed the movie and couldn't believe what he went through. Great flick it is a must watch!!!!
Chris
says
I enjoyed it. I love dancing and really enjoyed the book. The movie isn't as good as the book
Cassie
says
One of the best movies I have seen. The ballet scenes are beautiful, the story line believable (it is a true story) and I recommend it to ballet lovers.
Greg
says
This was hugely disappointing, not because of the film, but because the disc was faulty. Half way through, it stalled, pixelated and stopped completely. I cleaned the disc (correctly) and our machine, in fact I tried it on 2 machines with the same result. I will have to now go to another library to hire another so that I can see and enjoy the rest of the film.
Oliver M.
says
Exceptionally well done movie... amazing actors/actresses, top-notch performances! Enjoyed every second of it.
leekee
says
Beautiful movie, loved the dancing, sad and wonderful all at the one time, I found some of the story a little far-fetched, however overall it was a great movie, I would highly recommend it.
Lance
says
A powerful journey... well acted & directed... not exactly an Ang Lee movie but can sense Beresford standing in the background
ken
says
A very emotional movie to watch again & again ,well enjoyed
Andrew
says
A very well made Australian film. In fact. you can't even tell it's Australian, which is very odd for an Australian film, as they usually seem to try very hard to make sure you can tell it's all Aussie. Bruce Greenwood does a terrific job as ben Stevenson, the ballet company director/choreographer. Who'd have thought he coupld play JFK so well and then do such a fine job as a campish Brit?
Margaret Worth
says
Very good movie, & love story
Sarah
says
Amazing movie, even hubby enjoyed it. Not quite the chick flick he was expecting. Thoroughly enjoyed the journey we were taken on...
Robyn
says
Lovely movie amazing story.
clare
says
I cried at this movie it is such a great true story
The only problem was the disc stopped a few times during watching
Jane
says
Great movie!!!
Lynne
says
Great movie. A real insight to China and communism.
Coralie
says
Wonderful and beautifully filmed, the dancing extraordinary - oh I wish there were more films like this - and to be based on a true story - what a triumph for cinema! A must for all dance lovers to see - in fact, everyone should view it to understand the differences between our cultures.
B
says
Brilliant!
Marjolein
says
Beautifully filmed and well acted. The period is interesting, and well portrayed (I'm old enough to actually remember!) But I thought the story is a bit thin, and that made the movie a bit long.
Rachel
says
Interesting look at communism, and different world political views. Amazing dancers also.
AMANDA
says
EXCELLENT! BRILLIANT STORY!
monibbs_au
says
I love it !!
Zara and Tim
says
Book was better.
Suze
says
Wonderful - every one should see this movie
Julie
says
Great
Stephanie
says
A must see for any true valuer of fine acting...
Mary and Jim
says
We enjoyed this movie but wouldn't bother watching it again. We had to do a lot of guessing of who was who, until we could check with someone who had actually read the book.. This wasn't helped by the fact that the subtitles were white and invisible against a light background.
Janine
says
Just beautiful - loved it - but wished there was more, another hour would have suited me. Loved the dancing, the scenes of China and would like to know how they settled in Sydney. More ballet would have been wonderful.
Faye
says
I hope the wonderful dancer was approved by his nemesis. I really enjoyed the movie
gerd
says
Very real and very emotional. A good demonstration of how well a true story can be told in a movie, which made it worth watching. However, numerous scenes of the Chinese village and of ballet practice could have easily been cut down without affecting the story. There are lots of Australian touches (like mum rather than mom in the subtitles), reflecting the film's origins, but using Sydney streets to stand in for Houston was quite silly, obvious and fraudulent, especially when Houston was used for other location shots.
George
says
OK if you're into dancing
Andrea Fry
says
Really enjoyed this movie.
Alli
says
Good movie. I think it missed a bit of his childhood/history.
movie girl
says
Excellet movie!!!!!
Linda
says
Good but not as good as I expected it to be, as I was expecting another 'Billy Elliot'.
Jan
says
Beautifully filmed and acted. A wonderful story, more poignant knowing it is a true story. Highly recommended.
Georgie L
says
Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant! Amazing story - and WOW - the dancing is incredible.
S Hay
says
Enjoyable movie, beautiful dancing but disappointing acting
Leila
says
Unable to write a review as the DVD was faulty.
Glenice
says
Wish I had read the book, which I have been loaned, before I saw the film. It would have filled in the gaps without text. Poignant story that many who move to another country and culture face, along with amazing talent and ability.
Lovely to see the parental contact.
Mick Scott
says
Defective DVD- Ran for approx 10 mins
mike.
says
I met the man. The movie was great, as it depicted the story he told me. Will watch it again.
Sleepy_Shark
says
I enjoyed it but couldn't be bothered to watch it again. Not bad, but pointless.
ASHOK SHARMA
says
AMAZING MOVIE
flip
says
book was better.
Danuta
says
A very enjoyable film. Beautifully directed and acted and danced! Wonderful story because it's true!. I think the true pathos of the character, and his background and upbringing in China has been expertly captured by the lead actor and the director, which makes the film very worthwhile viewing.
Laura
says
Fantastic....breathtakng dancing.
Friday night
says
A very interesting story. I was surprised that it was Australian
barb
says
excellent mov ie keeps interest all the way to the end
christine
says
I thought the performances were ok but the movie overall was not that great. I have read the book and although the book is usually better than the movie, this movie was no where near the book. It covered about a quarter of the book and did not show his childhood which was a huge part of the book.
Disappointing.
thelydstar
says
Lovely true movie. Interesting and very touching at times. Has Aussie connections.
Diane
says
Was exceelent and very heart rending to see what some people have to go through in life.
Bev
says
Such a wonderful movie about an amazing person. How exceptional to find someone to portray the ballet of the real person.
lynn
says
Great film-should have had a higher rating
Janis Farrugia
says
Thoroughly enjoyed this real life biography .... to see the hardships that this dancer had to endure to get where he is now was an eye opener..
John
says
Enjoyed this one a lot of aussie actors with great cameo roles
Tracy H
says
Lovely movie, good chick flick, was enjoyed very much.
Lyn-Marie
says
Very entertaining and interesting. I totally loved the skill and technique of the dancing and the parent's arrival was so moving. Nice movie.
Leda
says
This was a very good movie....We all enjoyed and loved the dancing in it...
SJKiwi
says
Excellent movie - really enjoyed the story and was well acted
Ian Kluge
says
Exceptionally good movie. Enjoy movies based on a true life story
Dene
says
Enjoyed the movie, great true story - shows what determination can do.
Ted
says
Just EXCELLENT, a very thought provoking movie
maw
says
Found the subtitles hard to read
Char
says
I watched it twice. Both times brought laughs
chantalep
says
What a great film. Very well cast and story told as best as you can on screen (as opposed to the book). Worth watching.
yeo44
says
after reading the book, l found the film just made it so real, well acted and loved the story, would reccoment it to anyone
Nigel W
says
Chinese ballet dancer defects to the West much to chagrin of the communist party. A politcal drama that manages to entertain and inform. The dance sequences are well choreographed and the scenes from China have an authentic looked.
Glen
says
Very enlightening movie. DVD had a couple of issues where it skipped about 30 seconds but other than that it was a great movie.
Philip
says
Considering the breadth of the book, this was well done.
Ally
says
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. The male lead was just fantastic in this role. Watched it twice
Christine B.
says
Good movie, interesting to see how dancers are trained in China, loved the dancing.
dentydog
says
Originally thought, OMG a dance movie (which I hate) but once it started and got going I really got into it, I even shed a few tears around the ending. This movie is fantastic and I would recommend this to everyone, and the good thing about it it was a true story.
Tania P
says
This is a great film. It's not as deep or moving as the book, but Bruce Beresford does an amazing job of bringing this story to the screen. What stood out for me was the quality of the dancing in this film. Usually dance films cast average dancers in the leading roles but the cast of dancers in this film are a cut above the usual dance flick, making the film much more enjoyable to watch.
mtt
says
This movie glosses over any of the actual political drama. Not very strong performances or story line.
Lito
says
Beautiful movie, worth watching.
pamelab
says
Very good story. My husband and myself enjoyed this movie very much. Would recommend this movie to watch.
Ingrid
says
very moving and lovely story.
aedrk
says
A real life reflection of a true story. Great depth and on screen re-creation of the challenges facing life in the west of a young chinese dancer, coming from a closed society of the 60's and confronted with a life changing delema.....surprisingly appealing
Rosielin
says
What a delightful movie, it moved me and the dance sequences where wonderful. The only thing I didn't like was the disjointed direction of some of the early days.
rosie53
says
Beautiful,beautiful movie. Yes it's a 'rags to riches' story but beautifully done. Scenery,acting & most importantly the ballet was superb. I would see this again in a heartbeat.
Angelina
says
very good film and moving story. I would recommend to watch
Barrie
says
This movie was absolutely brilliant
likedeeler
says
Disappointing. Overrated.
margaret
says
very good but not as good as the hype put out about it
Tanya
says
A good dancing story.
Marjorie
says
Enjoyable. Sadly lacking the depth of the very good book. But still a tear jerker
Rj
says
Great Movie. Full of drama and romance. Definately worth watching if you're into that type of thing. Had all the family crying.
Richelle
says
I was enthralled from start to finish with this movie. The story was good and so was the ballet scenes. This would be a movie that I would buy to watch again.
Marie O
says
I haven't read the book, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I thought this movie was very well done. I enjoyed the dance scenes and thought the storyline was good. Worth watching.
Melissa
says
Good storyline and Good movie. Unfortunately I was expecting Great, considering the hype that went with this movie. If you are looking for fantastic dance sequences you will be sorely let down, the ballet is ordinary, you keep waiting for it to build into something moving but it never quite makes it. The overall pace is very plodding. Maybe if my own build up had been less I would have not been as disappointed, hmmmm ????????
jonathan
says
very good worth a watch
linda
says
Beautiful film - fabulous dancing. A joy to watch.
Kerrie F
says
I really enjoyed it - I recommend you give it a go. Sure it doesn't have the detail of a book, but what movie ever does? Some subtitles, so allow time to watch it without distraction.
Lucy C.
says
I really enjoyed the book. I was disappointed in the film even though Joan Chen is always worth watching. What annoyed me the most was while it was obvious Sydney was pretending to be Houston a City of Sydney street sign could clearly be seen in the background!
Glenda H
says
Beautiful. Having read the book, I think the interpretation was very well done. Yes, it was subtle and probably didn't show the depth of hardship the Chinese endured, but that is not the focus of his story.
abaxter
says
kept sticking and jamming - sent back without seeing end of movie
Kim
says
Over rated and the story seemed rushed at the end. The role of his current wife in his life is vitually ignored and the exploration of the story lacked in so many ways.
robert
says
what an exerlent movie it holds your attention from start to finish worth seeing again for star rateing
Kristie
says
Ok storyline i guess but not the most touching story as described by magazines etc.
Deirdre R.
says
Having really enjoyed the book, I found the film disappointing, though I understand the difficulty in reducing such a comprehensive life story to a 2 hour film. There seemed to be so much missing, and most of the impact of his introduction to the west was lost by only showing his early life through flashbacks. The cast was terrific, however, and the dancing superb. Made me want to go and see a ballet again...
Tracy-lee
says
Excellent.
Nola
says
Lovely, lovely film. Not a ballet fan, so did not expect to enjoy the dance sequences so much. What wonderful actors playing the main character, with such grace.
highly recommended.!
Ross
says
A brilliant movie, superbly directed...telling a story of human courage and triumph over the greatest adversity..
Moving!
Karen
says
Okay if you hadn't read the book. Seemed to be very abbreviated.
Barbara C.
says
Brilliant - every moment is watchable. So heart wrenching and even funny in places. I recommend this as a must watch movie.
Linda D.
says
Fantastic!! Better than i expected, this movie is so well made and a credit to Australian Film industry. A true story which is not only enjoyable but educational too,if you love true stories of triumph over adversity and struggles. Don't worry there is not too much dancing if thats not your thing. Highly recommended!!
Alex H.
says
A hartwarming story showing the gulf between China under Communism and the west. The gulf between chinese poverty and western "exesses". A must see movie!!!
Wayne S.
says
I laughed, I cried with sadness and joy. Very moving and heartwarming. Love it. A must see.
Lyn M.
says
wonderful feel good movie that makes you cry every time
Julie
says
Beautiful scenery, fantastic cinematography, highly charged with wonderful ballet scenes. Its a great true story.
Lharry
says
Everyone said to read the book.I haven't still as yet but intend to now. The movie is very moving. eventhough it has many flash backs,they are protrayed in sync with what is currently happening in Li's life. Not confusing, they enhance the experience. fantastic direction and good cast. Must see movie this year.
Elspeth N.
says
Well done interpretation of the book. Enjoyable and interesting.
Sunet N.
says
Expect a movie full of flashbacks. I enjoyed despite the end, a bit over the top for my liking. Good actors, average storyline. Not the sadest flick ever. 3 stars, can't give more than that as I was expecting much more.
Kylie S.
says
Saw it on 1/10/09 - opening day.
AWESOME!...cinematography; plot; cast, costumes! CANT WAIT TO PURCHASE THE DVD!