By Emma Krasov
A story of a classically trained dancer from Communist China making his way into the world of creative and personal freedom in America, directed by Bruce Beresford, stars Chi Cao, whose on-screen presence elevates this film to a must-see. However, the principal dancer of Birmingham Royal Ballet performing his mind-boggling entrechat is not the only attraction of this intriguing, poignant, and altogether fascinating feature, based on Li Cunxin’s best selling autobiography. We watch Li in his early school years in rural China, where the authorities habitually selected talented children for continuous sports, dance, art, or music education in the capital. Those selected were supposed to serve their country in international touring shows and the Olympic Games, with or without their families being present in their lives. The infamous Mao’s Little Red Book, the atrocities of Cultural Revolution, and other realities of his early years do not prevent Li from succeeding on a much larger scale when he comes to Houston Ballet as a summer student, and leaves it as a principal dancer. His personal quest for love, friendship, and “doing the right thing” brings about some thrills of a detective story, and some beautiful moments of real romance. The film also showcases ballet sequences staged by Graeme Murphy. Jane Scott, producer and Jan Sardi, screenwriter, presented Mao’s Last Dancer with the brilliant cast of Bruce Greenwood, Kyle MacLachlan, Joan Chen and Amanda Schull. The film opens tomorrow, August 20 in San Francisco and Bay Area theaters. More information: www.MaosLastDancer-Movie.com
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