Preview: Mao's Last Dancer (2010)

Synopsis:

A Chinese ballet dancer meets an American dancer and attempts to stay in the U.S. to be with her, but his country won't allow his betrayal.

• Poster: B

Review:

Aside from the small town/city images in the lower corners of the frame, the poster does have a certain elegance to it. The subtle Chinese character behind the title is a nice touch.

• Trailer: B-

Review:

While the music selection and the scenes in the trailer are breathtaking and make me want to see this film, the fact that director Bruce Beresford hasn't made a great film since 1989's Driving Miss Daisy and that the film's releasing mid-August, I have significant reservations about the ultimate quality of the picture.

Oscar Prospects:

As I said in my review, Beresford isn't exactly a lightning rod for the Oscars in recent years, but this is the kind of film that could change it all for him. It has political intrigue, a statement on the freedom of artistic expression and features some excellent cinematography. Yet, August 20 is not exactly the launching date for true Oscar contenders.

Release Date:

• August 20, 2010

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (May 30, 2010) Original