ACF 656: MAO's LAST DANCER opens today in select U.S. cities

MAO’S LAST DANCER, presented by Samuel Goldwyn Films and ATO Pictures, opens today in select U.S. cities. It is based on the remarkable true story of renowned ballet dancer Li Cunxin’s journey from an impoverished life in rural China to true stardom on the international stage, brought to life by a talented cast including Bruce Greenwood, Kyle Maclachlan, Joan Chen, Amanda Schull and newcomer Chi Cao.

Official Synopsis:
From Academy Award® nominee Bruce Beresford (DRIVING MISS DAISY, TENDER MERCIES) comes MAO’S LAST DANCER, the inspiring true story of Li Cunxin and his extraordinary journey from a poor upbringing in rural China to international stardom as a world-class ballet dancer. Based on the best selling autobiography, MAO'S LAST DANCER weaves a moving tale about the quest for freedom and the courage it takes to live your own life. The film compellingly captures the struggles, sacrifices and triumphs, as well as the intoxicating effects of first love and celebrity amid the pain of exile.



MAO’S LAST DANCER stars Chi Cao, a gifted dancer and principal at the Birmingham Royal Ballet making his impressive screen debut as Li Cunxin. The cast is rounded out by Bruce Greenwood (STAR TREK; THE SWEET HEREAFTER), Kyle Maclachlan (“Sex and the City”; “Desperate Housewives”), Joan Chen (LUST, CAUTION; THE LAST EMPEROR) and Amanda Schull (CENTER STAGE; “One Tree Hill”).

The official MAO’S LAST DANCER page: http://www.facebook.com/maoslastdancer.

You can also hear Wall Street Journal Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Joe Morgenstern's review on his Friday, August 20th, 2010 KCRW Film Reviews podcast, also downloadable in the Podcast section of The iTunes Store.