Chinese ballet drama captivates the audience

“Mao’s Last Dancer”

Starring: Chi Cao, Bruce Greenwood, Kyle MacLachlan, Joan… “Mao’s Last Dancer”

Starring: Chi Cao, Bruce Greenwood, Kyle MacLachlan, Joan Chen

Directed by: Bruce Beresford

Grade: A-

Keeping up with the trend of book-based films saturating the movie market, “Mao’s Last Dancer” opened this past weekend at CineMagic’s Manor Theatre in Squirrel Hill.

It tells the story of Li Cunxin, a peasant plucked from his home in rural China to train as a ballet dancer in Beijing. He later sets up life in the United States.

Two main conflicts gracefully weave throughout the film — Li’s struggle to find success as a professional dancer and the difficulties he encounters as a foreign national in Houston.

Many films based upon just one of these concepts completely consume the audience with heart-wrenching dramatic scenes and provide little relief. But “Mao’s Last Dancer” skillfully balances the two plot lines, giving fair play to both the sorrow of being separated from family and dazzling ballet routines.

Newcomer Chi Cao is nothing short of perfect for the role. His effortless portrayal of Li carries the film far and overshadows the brief moments of sub-par acting by his co-stars. As Li defiantly refuses to return to his home in China when called upon by the Chinese government, one would think his romantic interest and ticket to staying in the United States could be better cast.

But Cao still captivates audiences during the awkward moments between Li and his girlfriend and moves the film forward. From the astonishment of his surroundings in a foreign land to confusion over derogatory slurs, Cao leaves nothing for want as he convinces audiences that he is Li Cunxin. As someone who has lived abroad — in China for that matter — I recognize his enthusiastic reactions to seemingly small matters — “What’s a muffin you say?” — not as overreactions but as completely natural.

Recognizable faces include Kyle MacLachlan from “Desperate Housewives” and Joan Chen of “Lust, Caution.” Their parts, as Li’s persevering lawyer and forlorn mother, respectively, are small gems in the film which only add authenticity to Cao’s portrayal of the dancer.

I recommend the film to anyone who can appreciate art brought to life. The movie is completely in English with occasional moments of subtitled Chinese, meaning viewers can enjoy the acting and dance scenes with ease.

I was drawn to the film because of its connection to China and thought I might get more out of it for being able to understand Chinese. But as the film descends upon topics nearly everyone can relate to — struggle, love, loneliness, passion and uncertainty — I doubt I gained any more from it than the man sitting next to me, who presumably didn’t know the language.

As the weather cools down in the ’Burgh, consider spending an evening out with “Mao’s Last Dancer” before you miss your chance. The Manor Theatre has leased the film through Sept 16., with the possibility of extending it to be decided Monday night.