MAO'S LAST DANCER Review (4 out of 5 stars)

A gripping, true-to-life story translated faithfully to the screen.
 
MAO’S LAST DANCER is based on the true story of internationally acclaimed ballet dancer Li Cunxin (portrayed by newbie Chi Cao, himself a principal with the Birmingham Royal Ballet). Plucked from his tiny farming community in native China (all scenes in China were actually filmed there) in the early 70’s, Li goes on to endure rigorous training and government supervision in Beijing and ultimately embarks on a new life in Houston. Bruce Greenwood plays choreographer Ben Stevenson, to wonderful effect and with much heart, perfectly encapsulated in his sweet response to Li’s query about a racial slur. 

The movie shifts back and forth in time between Li’s regimented youth in Beijing and culture shock-laden existence - and eventual defection to - Reagan-era America, kicking off with his arrival in Texas in 1981, agog at ­the skyscrapers lining his drive into the city. From such minute details as his brothers’ family names (“Fifth Son,” “Sixth Son”) to their stern instruction in the classroom that life in capitalist countries is unbearable and dark (literally), the film deftly illustrates daily life – and the Chinese people’s terrified fealty to the State - under Mao.

Amanda Schull plays Li’s pretty (but sadly one-dimensional) young wife Liz Mackey; Kyle MacLachlan appears out of the blue as the drawling immigration attorney who assists Li in a dramatic showdown at Houston’s Chinese consulate. By then I’d felt the storyline was complete, but a far more powerful climax still lay in store that admittedly brought this reviewer to years (and I’m not a crier) and ends on a beautiful, emotional note. None of the details of which I’ll give away…
 
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