Mao’s Last Dancer in theaters

Mao’s Last Dancer isn’t getting mainstream buzz, but it is getting high accolades in the film critics community. The movie has broken out of the film festival circuit and getting a wider release starting this weekend. Here’s more about the film:

From Academy Award nominees Bruce Beresford (director, TENDER MERCIES, DRIVING MISS DAISY), Jane Scott (producer, SHINE) and Jan Sardi (screenwriter, SHINE, THE NOTEBOOK) comes the remarkable true story of ballet dancer Li Cunxin. MAO’S LAST DANCER stars Chi Cao, a gifted dancer and principal at the Birmingham Royal Ballet making his impressive screen debut as Li. The cast is rounded out by Bruce Greenwood, Kyle MacLachlan, Joan Chen and Amanda Schull.

Based on Li’s best selling autobiography, MAO’S LAST DANCER is the epic story of a young poverty stricken boy from China and his inspirational journey to international stardom as a world-class dancer. The story begins when a young Li is taken from his peasant home by the Chinese government and chosen to study ballet in Beijing. Separated from his family and enduring countless hours of practice, Li struggles to find his place in the new life he has been given. Gaining confidence from a kind teacher’s encouraging guidance and a chance trip to America, Li finally discovers that his passion has always been dance. MAO’S LAST DANCER weaves a moving tale about the quest for freedom and the courage it takes to live your own life. The film poignantly captures the struggles, triumphs and the intoxicating effects of first love and celebrity amid the pain of exile.

The film showcases ballet sequences from acclaimed choreographer Graeme Murphy. MAO’S LAST DANCER stars Bruce Greenwood (upcoming DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS, STAR TREK, THIRTEEN DAYS), Kyle MacLachlan (upcoming THE SMELL OF SUCCESS, ‘Desperate Housewives’), Joan Chen (LUST, CAUTION, THE LAST EMPEROR,), Amanda Schull (CENTER STAGE, ‘One Tree Hill’) and newcomer Chi Cao as Li Cunxin.

Get tickets to Mao’s Last Dancer at Fandango or movietickets.com.

Mao’s Last Dancer Clip