Given the lack of updates here you could be forgiven for thinking I didn't get out and about very much in the second half of February. Thanks to a sprained ankle 10 days ago, that is somewhat true, but I was lucky enough to get in a couple of movies before being resigned to a boring period of R.I.C.E.
My first Film Talk session at Rialto Cinemas was for I'm Not Harry Jenson, early in the year. I really enjoyed the opportunity to lesson and question those involved with the film, so I jumped at the chance to attend the Film Talk session for Mao's Last Dancer on the 18th of February.
No doubt because the session was held the day after the premiere here in Auckland (and a couple of weeks ahead of the general release), Rialto Newmarket managed to get the director and screenwriter to speak, and they, Bruce Beresford and Jan Sardi - both past Oscar nominees, were excellent! As was the film!
Who would enjoy the film? Well, it's probably not a blokey film (just as well I'm not a bloke). Unless you have an interest in ballet or Chinese political history, or just enjoy a well-told story with some heart. And a true story at that.
Largely in English but with enough Mandarin (minimally subtitled) to bring the appropriate cultural blend to a story the story of Li Cunxin. jan Sardi spoke of keeping the Mandarin to a minimum, and also the subtitling - just enough to tell the story.
I appreciated this, especially in the parts of the film where the actors/dancers told the story through their actions, their dancing. It was much more aesthetically pleasing, and did not detract/distract as much as being presented with every word might have done! You don't need to understand every word to understand the emotions.
And might I say, I appreciated the effort that went into this film much more after the talk - neither Beresford or Sardi speak Mandarin, and worked with translators during the writing and filming as required. Neither man had a knowledge of ballet (and whilst Beresford had directed operas before, this was much different).
Add in the fact that the movie was filled largely with real life dancers, rather than actors, and you have a very impressive production effort! Beresford commented that the lead actor - suggested from Li Cunxin, after a long search - was dancing with a Birmingham dance company, could have an acting career when his dancing days are over.
When asked what the challenges were in making the film, Beresford (an Australian) thought for a bit before revealing that it was worrying that he was making a pro-American film - "Who does that? Not even the Americans!". In reality, the film is very well balanced and sensitively handled. Both Sardi and Beresford commented on the challenges and benefits of making a film based on the lives of people who are still living!
Anyway, now that the film is opening in theatres across New Zealand, I'd definitely recommend you see it. I hope you have a giggle at a reference to Chairman Meow, like I did! ;-)
Mao's Last Dancer opens 4 March, and is rated PG. Check your local cinema for session times. And if you get a chance to go to a Film Talk session, do!
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