Movie Review: Mao's Last Dancer (2009)

Mao’s Last Dancer (2009)

                                                                                             Soon Bin Kwon

I watched a movie named “Mao’s last dancer” on Sunday, August 3^rd night. When I saw the name of movie, I couldn’t guess that this movie is related to ballet dancer. I just thought that Mao was a name of teacher and his student became famous when he learned the secret of dancing. But my guess was incorrect. The movie’s genre is romance and the main character’s name is Li Cunxin who was exchange student in USA for ballet.

He stayed in Ben’s house in America who is the ballet school’s teacher. When he got out of Chinese officer’s room, Chinese officer said to Li Cunxin not to believe any American people because they are enemy of great China. Li Cunxin believed his saying, but every person who Li Cunxin met in America became good friend with Li Cunxin. Also he found his love, Elizabeth and became a dancer of the famous ballet dance company. Then, he decided to live in America, not to return to China where his family and friends live. He wanted to become a good ballet dancer fo the famous ballet dance company.

But I think his decision to stay in America is wrong. Because he tried to forget his family and he chose his love and his dream. I think my family is the most important thing for me. I think this movie’s genre is romantic and it is related to the graceful dance, ballet. Finally, Li Cunxin made his dream come true and became famous ballet dancer and married with his ballet partner.

In the beginning of the movie, there was a story about a frog which was in the well and he only believed that the sky is just circle. Then, his friend, toad came to the well and went to the top of the well and said that “ World is so wide and beautiful. You should look at and recognize it.” I think this story give me lessons like ‘Don’t believe everything you can see and have a lot of experience not to misunderstand.’ I sometimes used to believe what just I see with my two eyes. I should not do that mistake. Also, I have to do a lot of experience like traveling other countries and reading many books. I’m sure that this will help me to learn many things which can help me.

In the movie, there was a teacher named ‘Mr. Chang’ who inspired Li Cunxin. Because of him, Li Cunxin could get a lot of passion for ballet although he had flat feet which could be disadvantage for ballerina or ballerino. Mr. Chang made Li Cunxin get a lot of lessons from him. I have a person who gives me a lesson everyday about my life. He is my father. He always say to me helpful pieces of tips and I use it when I need to use that wisdom. He doesn’t teach me how to study but he teaches that what I should prepare in mind for studying.

In Conclusion, when I have an opportunity to see this movie ‘ Mao’s last dancer ‘, I will see this movie again. Because when I see this movie, it makes me feel nice and I can get a lot of lessons and information from it.