Mao’s Last Dancer

In a rural Shandong Province commune, 11-year-old Li Cunxin's future seems bound to the fields. When government recruiters arrive to pick candidates, he is initially passed over but is finally selected after his teacher pleads during a school visit. He leaves for the wider world with a mix of bewilderment and guarded optimism as he travels to Qingdao for screening.

Li is sent to Beijing for an audition and is admitted to Madame Mao's Dance Academy after a series of physique and flexibility exams. The admission marks the start of grueling training under a regime that prioritizes political aims over personal expression. He faces the challenge with a growing sense of purpose, even as nerves threaten to overwhelm him.

Years of strict training follow, and Li's early lukewarm interest gives way to inspiration from senior teacher Chan. Chan champions classical Russian ballet, conflicting with the academy's politically driven style, which leads to Chan's apparent banishment. Li must navigate the tensions between artistry and politics as his talent deepens.

During a groundbreaking cultural visit to China, Ben Stevenson, an English-language ballet director based in the United States, spots Li's talent and pursues him as an exchange student for the Houston Ballet. The academy's skeptical stance softens when a supportive mentor helps secure a three-month stay in America. Li's bold step toward the world beyond China becomes a turning point in his training.

In the United States, Li experiences life beyond China and begins a romantic relationship with Elizabeth Mackey, an aspiring American dancer. The exposure to American culture also prompts him to question the strict political dictates he grew up with. He starts to imagine a different future, one that might be possible beyond his homeland.

Li and Stevenson push for a longer stay, hoping to extend his time with Houston Ballet. But the Chinese government refuses to grant the extension, forcing Li to confront the limitations of his opportunities. The outcome hardens Li's resolve to stay or redefine his path.

Seeking legal grounds for residency, Li and Mackey marry, then Li visits the Chinese Consulate in Houston to accept responsibility for his decision. A Chinese resident diplomat detains him to coerce a return to China, drawing in media and government officials from both sides. The higher-profile incident foreshadows the international friction to come.

Li resists repatriation, and the Chinese government eventually releases him but revokes his citizenship, declaring he can never return. The personal cost is immense as he remains in the United States, cut off from his homeland. The episode underscores the price of choosing personal freedom over political duty.

Li continues to excel as a dancer with Stevenson guiding the Houston Ballet, while Elizabeth's own dance career loses momentum. Stevenson persuades Li to stay in America, effectively sealing the fate of their marriage. The relationship frays as years pass in distance.

Five years later, the Chinese government allows Li's parents to visit him in the United States, and they witness his Rite of Spring performance and share a stage reunion with him. The moment marks a bridge between Li's two worlds and a rare moment of reconciliation through art.

Li is finally granted permission to visit China. He returns with Mary McKendry, an Australian ballerina, to reconnect with his family and former teacher Chan in the village. Chan expresses regret that he never got to see Li perform, acknowledging Li's growth.

Li and Mary give an impromptu outdoor ballet performance for the village crowd, celebrating his full-circle return to his roots. The moment underscores his journey from rural child to international dancer and family man.

Closing credits reveal Li Cunxin's 1995 performance in China with the Houston Ballet, broadcast to hundreds of millions. The film notes that Li and Mary live in Australia with their three children, while Stevenson remains a leading choreographer and Elizabeth Mackey pursues a career in speech therapy and related fields.