Mao's Last Dancer (2009) Review in 2025
Mao's Last Dancer is a biographical drama film based on the life of Chinese ballet dancer Li Cunxin, who defected to the United States. The film explores his journey from a poor peasant family to becoming a principal dancer with the Houston Ballet.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This film is suitable for older children and adults due to its themes of perseverance and following one's passion.
CineReview Recommendation
This film is a must-watch for anyone who loves dance, biographical dramas, or inspiring stories of perseverance. It's a beautifully shot and well-acted film that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film follows Li Cunxin's journey from being a poor peasant boy to becoming a principal dancer with the Houston Ballet. He faces numerous challenges, including the strict rules of the Beijing Dance Academy and the pressure to conform to the Communist Party's expectations. However, he finds solace in his love for ballet and eventually defects to the United States, where he becomes a star dancer with the Houston Ballet.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a clear narrative arc that explores Li Cunxin's journey from a poor peasant boy to becoming a principal dancer with the Houston Ballet. The film's themes of perseverance and following one's passion are inspiring and relatable.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Chi Cao delivering a standout performance as Li Cunxin. The supporting actors also deliver strong performances, bringing depth and nuance to their characters.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Li Cunxin's character being particularly well-portrayed by Chi Cao. The supporting characters, including Bruce Greenwood and Penelope Wilton, add depth and nuance to the story.
direction9.00/10
The direction is excellent, with Bruce Beresford bringing a clear vision to the film. The pacing is well-balanced, and the cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty and elegance of ballet.
cinematography9.50/10
The cinematography is breathtaking, with stunning shots of the ballet performances and the beauty of the Australian landscape. The use of color and lighting is also noteworthy, adding to the overall mood and atmosphere of the film.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's stunning cinematography, excellent direction, and superb acting make it a standout film. The story is engaging and well-paced, with a clear narrative arc that explores Li Cunxin's journey from a poor peasant boy to becoming a principal dancer with the Houston Ballet.
Cons
The film's themes of perseverance and following one's passion may be too intense for younger viewers. Additionally, some viewers may find the film's pacing to be a bit slow at times.
Notable Quotes
"Ballet is not just about the steps, it's about the passion and the heart."
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do."
