Watch 'Mao's Last Dancer' & Jump out of the well

Mao's Last Dancer

Ratings: ★★★★☆

   Mao's Last Dancer. What do you think of when you hear this title? Well, speaking frankly, I thought that it would be a bit boring movie about Chinese traditional dances. However, I realized that I was completely wrong, after watching the movie last Sunday. Actually, the movie was a touching story about Chinese ballet dancer's American adventure. The romantic and dramatic movie, 'Mao's Last Dancer' released in 2009 by Bruce Beresford not only made me impressed, but also think about many other things that I have not thought very often. Today, I would like to share the marvelous experience I had, with you. I hope you enjoy! 

     The movie takes place in several places. This is because Li often recollects his memories. However, the actual story goes on at Houston, Texas, in early 1980s. To give you a better understanding of the plot, however, I should rather start from Shangdong, China 1972. In a small town in Shangdong Province, Li Cunxin who is the main character of the movie, lived with his parents and five older brothers. Then one day, he fortunately got an opportunity to be tested in Qingdao to be a student in Madame Mao's Dance Academy. Thanks to his pliant body, he easily got into the academy. That was the start of his hardships, however. The training was very tiresome so he dreaded it and wanted to return home. However, during his hard time, teacher Chan gave Li warm-hearted advice and inspired him and Li was able to overcome his trouble. 

Teacher Chan and Li Cunxin

Now, thinking of Teacher Chan, I wondered 'Is there someone who is like Teacher Chan to me in my life?' And there was, in fact, very close to me. To me, my aunt is like teacher Chan. Whenever, I feel stressed and don't know what to do, I just run for her(or call her). Then she first makes me relaxed and cheerful once again and gives me her advice by telling me a story or introducing me a good method. She has not done something really huge for me, but I am mostly motivated by her.

Communist style Ballet Li practiced in China 

Anyway, after studying at the academy, he was very lucky to go to USA for three months to study ballet. However, at that time, Li was already the part of Chinese communist society and its style of ballet. So, at first Li was terribly shocked at the new environment and was skeptical of Americans. However, as time went by, he got used to the American life and also got an English girlfriend(Elizabeth). The three months flew like an arrow as he became a star at Houston Ballet and enjoyed the life at USA. When the expire date came near, Ben, the artistic director at Houston Ballet and Li applied for extension to the Chinese Consulate. However, the apply was rejected and Li's troop had to fight with the Chinese government for a long time. At last, Li was permitted to stay at America, but there were two costs he should undertake. First, he should have an international marriage. This was not a problem for him at all since he really loved Elizabeth. Second, he was not allowed to return China for the rest of his life. When I heard this part, I thought 'Hey, isn't this too cruel for a young man?' Thus, I was even more surprised when Li replied okay remaining silent. 

How could he accept that? Even though he could achieve his dream and continue his love by staying at America, still, he had to withstand several prices which was not going back to his land of birth and never see his beloved family. If I were him, what would I have done? To me, my dream is important too and I might have wanted to stay. But could I have coped with the departure with my family and abandoning from homeland? Well, I guess no. So, in that aspect I really respect Li for his decision. 

However, his decision didn't solve all the problems. After several conflicts he separated with Liz and he had nightmares everyday about his family. Meanwhile he gathered momentum as solo ballet dancer. He finally became the American star, even doing the world tour. Then one day, a nice surprise came to Li. At his Washington performance, his parents visited him all the way from China. The three family members embraced each other and cried.

     

Li meets his family, finally

At this point, I almost burst into tears. It moved my heart and made me feel the family love once again. But there was something other than that. When Li was determined to go to Beijng, his father told the story of frog in the well. Frog in the well. Maybe the frog was actually me in the past. Living in a city in country, I was in the well. However, I have always seeked of going out of the well which I believe that it was the difference between me and the frog. Then, recently, I jumped out of the well as I came to this camp. In GLPS, I met so many brilliant students from all over the Korea, even from foreign countries. It was like a new world for me. But I believe that there is another big well surrounding me which I should overcome in the future. I am sure that as the frog steps on the stages of achieving her dream as she tries her best, the frog could climb out of the big well and see the whole world with a true eye. Now, when do you feel that you are the frog. It doesn't really matter if you are like the frog now because almost everyone is the frog at first. But there is a clear difference among them; there are frogs who try to climb up the well even if they have several failures and frog who just seek for an easy life in the bottom of the well. Well, I appreciate both frogs but as long as I am about it, I'd better choose to be the frogs mentioned former. What would you be? Would you be Li and live with the entire world, or would you select the safer but boring way? It is up to you. 


     To wrap up, 'Mao's Last Dancer', the movie based on Li Cunxin's true story has kept my attention every single moment and made me both thoughtful and touched. So I gave this movie 4 starts out of five which means that it would be memorable and valuable time for you to watch the movie. At many points, I considered about my family, who is my inspirer, living in a foreign country, and finally the lessons the movie gives. I have been solely impressed with the story of frog in the well represents. I hope that you would make your own decision about the question I have thrown to you wisely, just as I have made my own. I wish you a good luck! 
And always and sincerely, THANK YOU FOR READING.     

Movie Trailer of 'Mao's Last Dancer'                               

Movie Review by Ted Baehr
This review summarizes my plot explanation.