Mao's Last Dancer (ATOM Study Guide)

Directed by acclaimed Australian filmmaker Bruce Beresford, Mao's Last Dancer (2009) brings the captivating and inspirational story of Li Cunxin to the screen. Li began life in a desperately poor village in Qingdao in north-east China, amidst the chaos and turmoil of Mao's Cultural Revolution. His peasant family toiled in hardship and privation, struggling daily to ward off starvation. One day – a day that would change his life forever – Li's school was visited by uniformed officials, Madame Mao's cultural delegates. They were searching the country, examining millions of children, looking to select students to mould into representatives of Chairman Mao's great vision for China. As the men were about to leave, Li's teacher pointed at the eleven-year-old boy and said, 'What about that one?' And so began Li's long separation from his family and his rise to excellence in the rarefied world of ballet. During his difficult climb to the top, he endured the punishing rigours of training at the Beijing Academy, and discovered in himself tremendous reserves of determination and self-discipline. The story of his loyalty to his family, his exile in the West, and his pursuit of artistic freedom propelled his autobiography to the international bestseller list. Now the combined talents of Beresford, Jan Sardi (scriptwriter) and Jane Scott (producer) present a powerful account of Li's courage and integrity to a whole new audience.

This wonderful film could be used in the junior and middle secondary school Key Learning Areas of Film/Media Studies, English, SOSE, Art and (Chinese) History and Politics. It could also be used in VCE English as a text for studies in identity. Some senior primary teachers might also find the story's inspirational qualities appealing. Certainly Li's life stands as a ringing endorsement of qualities and values we would all wish to imbue in the next generation: resilience, commitment, self-discipline and determination. The personal and emotional themes it touches upon include:

• the importance of family values
• love
• passion
• courage
• determination
• striving to realise one's dreams
• human achievement
• excellence
• meeting challenges
• goal setting and achieving goals against odds
• commitment and focus
• embracing changes
• continuous improvement
• positive attitude
• leadership
• daring to make tough choices

The film also provides an entertaining and engaging framework within which to explore aspects of China and its recent history.