Share

Watch It

On DVD: Now | On Blu-ray: Now
Watch it on iTunes Buy on Amazon

Mao's Last Dancer Review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 3.0
    55

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Mixed or average reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 30

    out of 100

    The New York Times Mike Hale

    The final image - a freeze frame of a pas de deux staged to resemble a triumphal Communist poster - perfectly captures the film's overall effect: it's strenuously brainless.

    Read Full Review

  • 60

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times

    Director Bruce Beresford ("Driving Miss Daisy") knows how to tug heartstrings but as he moves the inspirational material toward its tear-jerker finale, it's often hampered by awkward melodrama.

    Read Full Review

  • 60

    out of 100

    The Hollywood Reporter

    Like most films in this underdog genre, the emotional manipulation of the audience is constant and obvious.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    Variety

    The story lights up when world-class performer Chi Cao leaps about as the adult Li, but is marred by lumpy melodrama when the music stops.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    Wall Street Journal Joe Morgenstern

    The film celebrates artistic freedom without preaching a sermon, and often flies when Mr. Chi is on screen. When he is on stage, spinning and leaping to the strains of magnificent music, the film soars.

    Read Full Review

  • See all Mao's Last Dancer reviews at Metacritic.com

View MoreView Less

Fan Reviews provided by

Average Rating: 4.679
Read all reviews Write a review at Fandango
4

by Ani_g

5

by georgedye

Read all Mao's Last Dancer reviews at Fandango
Advertisement