Magic Lantern Theatres

Roxy Theatre

Showtimes - Now Playing

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 - Thu, 09 Sep 2010

Mao's Last Dancer

This is the inspirational true story of Li Cunxin, adapted from his best-selling autobiography and telling how, amidst the chaos of Mao's Cultural Revolution, he was chosen to leave his peasant family and sent on an amazing journey as it turned out towards freedom and personal triumph. Li's story unfolds as China was emerging from Mao's grand vision. It couldn't have been a better time for Li Cunxin to discover the west and for the west to discover Li Cunxin. This is about how Li overcame adversity, discovering and exploring his natural abilities and talent as a great classical dancer. This meant not only dealing with his own physical limitations but also eventually the punishment meted out by a highly suspicious Chinese government after Li's defection to the US. In America Li found a completely different and captivating new world but there were other difficulties he could never have imagined. Even with the support of many friends there was still isolation and despite his growing fame there was still uncertainty for his future. Here is a poignant yet triumphant story, directed by twice Academy nominated director Bruce Beresford (BREAKER MORANT, DRIVING MISS DAISY, TENDER MERCIES, BLACK ROBE etc) from a stunning adaptation by experienced screenwriter, Jan Sardi (SHINE, THE NOTEBOOK, LOVE'S BROTHER etc) that has the ability to touch both worlds

Director: Bruce Beresford

Cast - Major:
Chi Cao, Bruce Greenwood, Amanda Schull, Kyle MacLachlan

Official Site: http://www.maoslastdancermovie.com/