BIFF 2018 / Li Cunxin and Bruce Beresford discuss Mao’s Last Dancer 

I attended medical school in Houston from 1985 to 1989 and stayed in Houston an additional two years. During that time, I saw Li Cunxin perform many times. I was awed the first time I saw him and Janie Parker, the principal ballerina, dance. From then on, I always made sure that my tickets were on nights when they were performing. I watched Li for years, never realizing that he had grown up in rural China and defected to America. Fast-forward 30 years. I was watching a figure-skating competition on RU-vid when the announcer mentioned that the renowned Chinese-American skater, Nathan Chen, would be performing to music from the movie "Mao's Last Dancer." I had never even heard of the film, but when the announcer mentioned that it was about the life of Li Cunxin, the name clicked and I set out to watch it. Although the movie was made ten years ago, I saw it for the first time last week. What an extraordinary film! It brought back so many memories of great ballet performances in Houston. From the backdrop of China's Cultural Revolution, Li's fascinating and at times heart-rending story unfolds. The dance sequences, the use of flashback, the music and dialogue -- all unite to form a poignant, unforgettable film. What a thrill it is to be learning about a great artist I so admired three decades ago. Bravo to all who contributed to this film. It will inspire generations to come.

Li (the real Li) is certainly a gracious, well-spoken, and very handsome man.

Fantastic. Once a peasant boy chosen to dance, Clearly this was supernatural. Definitely gifted in dance. Amazing how Li's life unfolded. Loved the movie and the book that reveals more detail.

I’ve read it , and the sequel Mary’s last Dance , both are insightful, and inspiring

I have recently watched the film and as a result bought the book. I admire Li so much for how he has overcome so much adversity. He wasn't able to see his mother and family for so many years which must have been so painful. As a result of his success in life I am sure he must have been able to fulfil his greatest wish when he was very young, to be able to improve their lives, and was at last able to see them whenever he wished.

The PRC has had issues with Chess players defecting when overseas. That is why when they travel overseas to compete, the coach holds their passports for them. Since the state has paid for their training, they essentially own the player. Li went through something like this but at first he didn’t want to defect. He wanted to stay longer for his career. That doesn’t mean he wouldn’t have returned to China eventually to perform. I understand the position of the state but sometimes you have to let someone blossom and be proud that they can be successful overseas. His success can inspire a lot of people back home, so this wasn’t a total loss for the PRC. They could chill out a bit. I know it was 1981 and all and the PRC was not that open, but it is still kind of similar in its mentality today. Suspicious of foreigners in general.

Che persona meravigliosa e forte Li Cunxin! Una vita che ha conosciuto tutti i colori della sofferenza e poi della vittoria, un uomo esemplare. Ho letto il suo libro e quando ho saputo per caso, che dal libro è stato tratto un film ne sono stata felicissima! Purtroppo non è tradotto in italiano, ma l'ho apprezzato ugualmente!

Gracias Sr Li Cunxin la historia de su vida me ha emocionado, Dios lo bendiga a usted ,su familia y al pueblo chino en estos dias de miedo y pena.Les deseamos lo mejor desde Granada,España.

I have this movie on my list. I'm really looking forward to see it!! What an extraordinary life he and his wife had - and the courage they showed so many times.

I first went to the cinema with my sister when this came out back in 2009. Now I've just finished the audiobook and loved it. Wish the film was audio described. I've never seen but, curiously, one of the few visual things which fascinate me is ballet. Thanks to all involved in this inspirational work, particularly li himself.

Too bad there's so many comments saying Li Cunxin is "selfish" because he decided to not return to China. I saw a wonderful documentary about he, his wife & their family. Cunxin said he hated, hated, hated ballet for years. Thing is he had no choice - the government said "you're going to be a ballet dancer" and that was the end of that. I'm sure Cunxin IS very grateful to China for the wonderful training he received. But the people who are saying mean things about him not going back to China fail to mention that there was NO FREEDOM in China, esp. back then.

What happened to the other boy from China who also went to Houston with Li?

Geee Let the lady finish her sentence!!!

in my version , he should pay back all the money that paid by chinese taxpayers.He broke the contract without serve the people who paid him to study overseas.He is kind of selfish.i move to oversea using all my own money and i donnot owe the taxpayers like LI cunxin.Do you like a friend who owes your money and refuse to pay back and black you in public?

Li cunxin is extremely selfish. He is from a poor family and the Chinese government paid for all his training. He would never have the opportunity to become a dancer if he was born in a western country.