MOVIE: MAO’S LAST DANCER

This is Communist China’s Cinderella with Li Cunxin as the peasant made famous “ballerino” who marries his princess charming. Or, imagine Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story with leotards. Bruce Beresford’s rough-and-ready direction leaves Li’s true story to carry the film, and from peasant life to sell-out solos (and a defection, quickie marriage and kidnap situation in between), it’s an interesting tale. 

Bruce Greenwood, Li’s mentor, is a stand-out. Warm and convincing, he’s the antithesis to Li’s focused pupil and colours the canonical plot. You see, we all know the story: an unfortunate happens upon lady luck and through bloody hard work succeeds in realising “the dream”. But forgetting the exaggerated ensemble scenes, it’s well-measured and performed (much like the dancing within) and will leave you soggy-eyed and inspired. (RK)

Released October 1