In the 1970s we see continuing signs of the power of Communist China. Families in the rural areas still toil like it was a century ago, and are fed and repeat many propagandist views. It also shows an aspect of China that we still see today: the government is all-controlling and treat their citizens more as cogs in the Communist machine than people with individual views and feelings. One such person is little Li Cunxin, who like other children have a desire to join the Red Army. One day some government officials come to their community to choose children to become part of the Beijing Dance Academy. At first the choice is as much about who will be best as a propaganda tool to repeat Communist views as it is about talent. Li is at first considered too puny and weak, but he is stubborn and works after hours and while he is not the best dancer, has some people on his side, namely Teacher Cha who has some revolutionary ideas.
When Li is older (now played by Chi Cao) more officials come with representatives from Houston Ballet--director Ben Stevenson (Bruce Greenwood) and some dancers--to choose a Chinese candidate as a representative to the West. Li is chosen and lives with Ben, learning about American culture while making new friends, even a Western girlfriend. He enjoys some local success with the Houston Ballet and Ben hopes to keep him stateside, but of course politics and the Chinese agenda get in the way, and there is a political showdown between the Chinese government/local embassy, and Ben, Li and an immigration lawyer on their side (Kyle MacLachlan).
All this time, Li's family in China (Joan Chen plays his mother) hasn't seen him since he left for the Beijing Dance Academy and have had little contact with him other than snail mail probably read and censored by the Chinese authorities. Li makes a tough choice that may endanger his family. Later scenes show more of Li's life after this event.
This film's strength is the wonderful dance sequences, many of which are fully staged, whole dances and not snippets. Its weaknesses are weak acting by actors who are really dancers first, and, despite what sounds like a very interesting biopic, the film is a bit lacking in emotion. Li's family is not referred to much other than the face-to-face contact he has with them--there was little shown of the family's anxiety or life without Li, although what was shown, especially in the last few scenes, were very emotional. These scenes also gave emotional closure to Li's struggle.
The character of Ben Stevenson is also shown to have some of his own agenda in keeping Li with Houston Ballet, and not solely a goodwill persona working only on Li's behalf. Kyle MacLachlan was an odd choice for his role of the smart immigration lawyer, but Joan Chen as usual has chosen a political role and done well in the job. Chi Cao is not bad as an actor, and although he of course is an adult, gave Li the naivete and wonderment the character has throughout his stay in the U.S. I recommend this film, especially if you can catch it on the big screen, mostly for the dance sequences, which are excellent.
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