Mao's last dancer

Review: Mao's Last Dancer

Few days ago, class 21 watched a movie “Mao’s last dancer”. I don’t know the genre of this movie exactly, but I guess It’s drama because the main character is growing in so many hard situations. Of course, like many students’ opinions, the movie shows romance of the main character named Li Cunxin and his girlfriend. But I think the movie is  focus on how  Li is growing. Then, let me introduce the plot of movie and my opinion.

The main character named Li Cunxin is the sixth child of peasant parents. He was selected as one of the ballet dancers who will be educated t Beijing, and he had to be separated with his family. When he went to Beijing art school, he was not good ballet dancer, and he was not interested in ballet. However, teacher Chan thought Li can be nice ballet dancer. So he encouraged Li to dance. His encouragement made Li think the story he heard from his father.

“There was a frog in the well. The frog knew the well only. One day, a toad told that a frog can see bigger world if it jumps.”

Li was inspired by reminding this story. But, suddenly, teacher Chan was investigated as counter of revolution because he made a mistake. Chan gave the video that show famous ballet dancer’s performance to Li before he left. Also the singer in the video inspired Li. Li practiced everyday to be a great dancer. Finally when Ben, who is manager of ballet team, came to Beijing from the USA, Ben wanted to bring Li to his team. It was the chance to become successful dancer. Of course, Li went to the USA and became famous as a ballet dancer. Also he met Elizabeth who is American girl in the USA. But his happiness didn’t continue, as he had to leave the USA. Chinese government made him came back to China. However, if Li gets married with Elizabeth, he didn’t need to leave the USA. So, he chose the life as a ballet dancer and Elizabeth’s husband instead of the life as the sixth child of peasant parents.

Amazingly, this story is true story. The ballet dancer in Australia with his wife. I was surprised at there is ballet dancer who has same experience with Li in the movie. Also I was very impressed by the story about the frog in the well. I don’t know what it says exactly. But I just felt that I am on a situation that the frog is on. When I came to KMLA, everything is new for me. And I was surprised at everything around me. I thought that I was the frog in the well on the first day in KMLA. And like Li, I will do my best to jump and see the big world.

However, I don’t like Li’s decision to stay in the USA. He chose his own life with his wife, and abandoned his parents. His parents couldn't see him dancing on a stage. I think Li knew that his parents miss him very much. But he decided to stay in the USA and promised to do not go to China anymore. I think his decision show his selfishness. If I were Li, I would go back to China. Then, I will be remembered as a great ballet dancer by American and live in China with my family. So Li is not my favorite character in this movie, even though he is main. My favorite character is teacher Chan who inspired Li. In my life, my parents inspire me like teacher Chan. They encourage me always and communicate well. Sometimes, they tell their experiences or stories to me like Li’s father. So I am thankful to them always.

Ending of the movie↓

Anyway, I like this movie because it shows Li growing. Li was in many hard situations. And finally, Li met his parents happily. I recommend to you this romantic, dramatic movie. I’m sure that you can be inspired by this.