54 replies to this topic

[dirac]

Yes, at the very least we might have seen him in conflict about it, contemplating the potential, even likely,  grim fate of his family, but I don't remember that he was, much. There was a happy ending of course, but it could easily have been otherwise.

[cantdance]

Free screening before the DVD release at the AFI Silver Theatre  and Cultural Center in Silver Spring Maryland on Tue. April 12 7pm.  Q&A with Li Cunxin also.  I just checked online passes still available at gogobo.com  rsvp code WOMF4SL5.

I will try to get there, but I might get off work too late.

[cantdance]

I didn't make it to the free screening, but here is Washington Times article
http://www.washingto...e=all#pagebreak

[dirac]

Thanks for the heads up, cantdance.  This movie has done very well for itself - the little ballet movie that could!

[dirac]

The movie is now out on DVD.

[Barbara]

Finally saw this movie on last night. I enjoyed it, especially the chance to become acquainted with the dancing of Chi Cao. But I must add kudos (to Helene's earlier post) to Bruce Greenwood's Ben Stevenson. I found his work to be exceptionally nuanced and believable. The first time I actually "bought" an actor as ballet master; light years better than Peter Gallagher in Center Stage, Malcolm McDowell in The Company and even Vincent Cassel in Black Swan. I'm a big Bruce Greenwood fan and this portrayal did not disappoint.

[puppytreats]

I saw the movie but did not read the book.  Does the book explain the title?  Does the book discuss Li's relationship with Stevenson after Li joined the ballet as a soloist? Maybe the nature of relationship is why the choreography of Murphy was used, in addition to the ties to Australia.

[JMcN]

Yes, the book covers a much longer period than the film, mostly covering Li's early life which goes a long way to explaining the title.  I suspect that Graeme Murphy's choreography was used because the film was financed and mostly filmed in Australia.  I think I identified a section from Stevenson's Three Preludes though.

Do read the book, I found it an inspirational read and relevant whether you are interested in dance or not.

[duffster]

Barbara, on 06 June 2011 - 08:29 AM, said:

Finally saw this movie on last night. I enjoyed it, especially the chance to become acquainted with the dancing of Chi Cao. But I must add kudos (to Helene's earlier post) to Bruce Greenwood's Ben Stevenson. I found his work to be exceptionally nuanced and believable. The first time I actually "bought" an actor as ballet master; light years better than Peter Gallagher in Center Stage, Malcolm McDowell in The Company and even Vincent Cassel in Black Swan. I'm a big Bruce Greenwood fan and this portrayal did not disappoint.

[duffster]

Having worked with Ben Stevenson myself, Bruce Greenwood did a great job in capturing his character, they even copied his practice wardrobe to perfection. I remember that Ben had a great sense of humor, he was a great mimic and could imitate anyone in the company- it was hilarious yet very humbling. I felt it was his way of correcting your approach to your dancing and also to put you down a peg if he felt your head was getting too big. From what I could see it always worked.