MAO'S LAST DANCER - Review

Based on the 2004 autobiography of Li Cunxin, Mao’s Last Dancer is at first, a film sitting somewhere between Billy Elliot and Red Corner, but it doesn’t take too long to reveal itself as a sophisticated bio-pic.
After the early “fish out of water” scenes, we are soon asked to examine opposing political/social ideologies and how they ultimately affect both our individual freedoms and that of a society, or a people, as a whole. Don’t worry, there isn’t any lecturing or haranguing, just the viewpoint of a man in the middle of a very serious choice.
Played by Chi Cao as an adult, Li Cunxin is somewhat naive to the ways of the world, but is endearing to us because of this, and for the most part we remain sympathetic to his position as he grows and changes, faults and all. Also noteworthy is the performance by Huang Wen Bin as the child Li in China, and the transitions for Cunxin ageing and getting stronger are exceptional in their subtlety and smoothness. Most performances are solid, though some cast members are clearly dancers as opposed to actors, and all work together superbly. The sequence set in the Chinese Consulate is particularly engaging, except for the poor casting choice of Jack Thompson as a US judge. To an Australian audience, he is too jarring and breaks the connection with the story on screen.
Joan Chen is brilliant as Li’s mother: strong and loyal to her country, but there is nothing as strong as a true mothers love for her children.
Elizabeth, Li’s first wife and played here by Amanda Schull, is one of the most important people in his life and instrumental in Li’s success, but is ultimately given the short end of the stick. Nothing tragic, but you’ll see what I mean…
The dancing is highly impressive, by star Cao and also members of the Australian Ballet and the Sydney Dance Company. Even those whom are not in to ballet will agree to the incredible level of fitness and talent on display here. The music of Christopher Gordon too, is delicate and seeps through the film in an aural blend of east and west.
Part filmed in Sydney, however it’s the beautiful landscapes of China that catch the breath, with the exquisite mountain ranges providing a majestic backdrop to the humble village of Li’s childhood.
Aussie director Beresford’s style works; he even uses a mandatory training montage and there’s enough slow- mo to make even John Woo proud!
A strong story about following your heart and your dreams and that hard choices aren’t made without cost. We also learn that be they Communist or capitalist, kids find flatulence funny the world over.
Have some dumplings.