I think this is Bruce Beresford at his best.  Taking a book written by Li Cunxin — THERE are many heartfelt touches in Mao’s Last Dancer, Bruce Beresford’s stirring, uplifting adaptation of the best-selling memoir by Li Cunxin, the Chinese ballet star who defected to the West in 1981 while on a fellowship with the Houston Ballet.

We are ‘mere’ actors watched this story unfold beautifully and truthfully to Li’s story.  I was fortunate to be chose to play ‘Betty Lou’, one of the Opera Patrons who was in the beginning a little worried about having a Chinese dancer play Don Quiote (remember this was 1981).  I found myself while filming somewhat teary-eyed as the wonderful Chi played exquisitely the role of Li.

The film is playing at theatres all over the country and I am fortunate to see it again tonight at Greater Union Cinemas on George Street in Sydney in the Gold Class section.  If you see me, say hello.   It can be difficult to be an American actress in Australia, but this made my dreams come true.

Mao’s Last Dancer is showing at Greater Union, Hoyts, Dendy Cinemas, Palace Cinemas, Village Cinemas, and more. Click here to see session times at your local cinema.