Mao’s Last Dancer

  • 2009
  • PG
  • 117m
movieMx RATING
6.6/10$118.0
VERDICT
HIT
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Performance & Direction: Mao’s Last Dancer Review

Last updated: January 20, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 20, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Mao’s Last Dancer (2009) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Mao’s Last Dancer features a noteworthy lineup led by Amanda Schull . Supported by the likes of Chi Cao and Chengwu Guo , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Mao’s Last Dancer (2009) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Story & Plot Summary: Mao’s Last Dancer

Quick Plot Summary: Mao’s Last Dancer is a Drama, Romance film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: Mao’s Last Dancer

Ending Breakdown: Mao’s Last Dancer concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Mao’s Last Dancer reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Mao’s Last Dancer?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments

Box Office Collection: Mao’s Last Dancer

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $25.0M
Worldwide Gross $23.9M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Mao’s Last Dancer Budget

The estimated production budget for Mao’s Last Dancer is $25.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: Mao’s Last Dancer

All Cast & Crew →
Amanda Schull
Amanda SchullElizabeth Mackey
Chi Cao
Chi CaoLi Cunxin - adult
Chengwu Guo
Chengwu GuoLi Cunxin - teenage
Wen Bin Huang
Wen Bin HuangLi Cunxin - boy
Bruce Greenwood
Bruce GreenwoodBen Stevenson
Kyle MacLachlan
Kyle MacLachlanCharles Foster
Jack Thompson
Jack ThompsonUS Federal Judge
Camilla Vergotis
Camilla VergotisMary McKendry
Steven Heathcote
Steven HeathcoteBobby Cordner
Aden Young
Aden YoungDilworth
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Where to Watch Mao’s Last Dancer Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

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🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TVApple TV
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TVApple TV
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

Mao’s Last Dancer Parents Guide & Age Rating

2009 Advisory
PG

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Mao’s Last Dancer age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Mao’s Last Dancer is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is generally suitable for all ages.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Mao’s Last Dancer is 117 minutes (1h 57m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, Mao’s Last Dancer stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2009 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mao’s Last Dancer worth watching?

Mao’s Last Dancer is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Mao’s Last Dancer parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Mao’s Last Dancer identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Mao’s Last Dancer?

The total duration of Mao’s Last Dancer is 117 minutes, which is approximately 1h 57m long.

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How Mao’s Last Dancer Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Mao’s Last Dancer

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🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.6
Mao’s Last Dancer
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