Last weekend, I saw the movie titled: “Mao’s Last Dancer”. This film is based on a true story of a Chinese peasant boy who was chosen to learn ballet as part of China’s culture ministry. The film has been out since August 2010. From the director of “Driving Miss Daisy”, Bruce Beresford, and the producer of “Shine”, Jane Scott- the film is an inspirational story that I felt needed a review here on this blog. Some may object to the analogies and similarities that I will point out between the Chinese government and life in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF), but before you dismiss them, please, see the movie. The lead actors are listed as Bruce Greenwood, Kyle Maclachlan, Joan Chen, Amanda Shull and Chi Cao. The rating is “PG”. (Source link for the trailer- http://www.maoslastdancermovie.com/ )
The story begins as Li Cunxin is shown coming to Houston, TX in 1981 as an exchange student. He is shown learning about American shopping malls, ATM machines and a host of other new experiences. These scenes are interspersed with his memories and visions of how he came to be chosen to study ballet in 1972. One of the first remembrances is of his school in the Shandong Province. Three government officials are shown inspecting the students and the teacher begs them to consider Li. He is later tested for physical traits of flexibility and chosen to study ballet under the government’s program.
Honestly, I have had no appreciation for ballet. However, the drama that unfolds goes much deeper than the skills Li obtains and the honors bestowed on him for being a fine dancer. As you could expect, I was keyed in on the plot lines and events which depicted the strong controls as well as the propaganda used by the Chinese government on the children and adults. The movie has a few scenes which I will retell that particularly show the aspects of China’s political cult and their measures to control their people.
The first scene to review is in the school where Li attends while also studying ballet. About 24 minutes into the movie, the teacher is shown giving a history lesson which then turns into a political appreciation lesson. The teacher says that China is in the first stage of Communism. A student then asks what the final stage will be like. To which the teacher answers, “Class distinctions will be demolished, there will be no greed, no hunger, the government will see to every need.” A man who appears to be helping lead the class then says, “Even now, our superior system has given us the highest living standard in the world.” Another student then asked which country has the lowest (standard). The woman replies “The Capitalists and Imperialist nations. They live in darkness with hardly any daylight.” Then Li is shown stating- “It must be horrible there.” To which the man replies- “Unimaginable.” Then the scene switches to Li in Houston beginning to experience “the lowest standard of living in the world”.
Really, John? Are the children in China told we have the lowest standard of living? I am retelling what the movie portrayed. It is not beyond reason to believe this. How else would the Chinese government keep their people from hungering for the freedom that accompanies the standard of living in this country? The Chinese people are told we Americans live in darkness. And if you define freedom as darkness, then yes, we live in darkness. WOFF children are taught those who live outside WOFF live in darkness and without God. And if you define the freedoms to think critically and chose your life direction and live your life as you desire as darkness, then yes, we on the outside live in darkness. How else could Jane Whaley and her “government” keep her people from hungering for the freedom that accompanies the highest standard of living in the world? There is an odd twist, Jane allows her people to acquire the things that portray the American standard of living while still not enjoying the freedoms inherent with our culture.
In one scene, Li is shown talking with the Chinese consulate. The consulate tells him he is only seeing a small part of America. “Don’t trust anyone, especially- women. Remember, you are representing the Chinese people, you must show them how honest and hardworking we are.” I thought this odd as it was common to be told in WOFF- remember you are representing “God’s people and the call of God”. In reality, we knew that meant we were liable to bring an attack on Jane’s reputation, if we messed up. If we did not show how honest and hard working we were- then for sure “our sin would affect Jane”.
In all of the scenes in China, a picture of Mao was hanging somewhere and could be seen in the background. Jane does not allow her picture to hang in everyone’s home- yet. But, who doubts that every member of WOFF is aware of who they represent in the county? Who do outsiders see when they see WOFF members? Who comes to mind? Jane’s image and likeness is pasted all over the dress and mannerisms of faithful WOFF members. They don’t need her picture in their homes; her image is in the minds and on their hearts. When Mama Jane is not happy, no one is happy.
As the main drama unfolds, Li is shown in the Chinese Consulate talking with Consul Zhang. He is being told that the request to extend his stay in America has been denied. The director of the Houston Ballet Company is there and Consul Zhang addresses Li in Chinese. “The Government believes you shouldn’t spend any more time under Western influence, because you are too young.” This was their common code language. WOFF members have their own code language, also. If you doubt it, listen to a WOFF member for a while.
Soon after this scene, Li is shown walking with his friend and explaining his dilemma. “Ben (the Ballet company director) does not understand. He loves China… China is not so easy. They tell you what to do… where to go… where to stay… but, then when to come back… You know, I dance (unintelligible..) in China, but, I dance better here, because I feel more – free.” This scene so accurately depicts Li’s problem. I believe it also depicts the problem of WOFF members. Sure, they can “dance” in WOFF… day after day to Jane’s music. But, the dance of life was not meant to be lived inside Jane’s country. Outside WOFF- you are “more—free.”
Without giving away the entire movie plot and drama, let me close with this observation. Li returns to the Chinese consulate and continues talking t Consul Zhang. Consul Zhang says, “Trust me when I say the party knows what is best for you.” Li: “I know what is best for me.” Later in the drama, Consul Zhang continues, “Do you still want to serve the Communist cause?” Li replies, “Of course, Consul Zhang.” The inference with Consul Zhang was that Li could only serve Communism by returning to China. This scene reminded me of being asked, “Do you still want to serve God and purse the call of God on your life?” What faithful Christian wants to quit serving God? The inference when a WOFF member is asked that question is that you can only serve God at WOFF. All other places away from WOFF and Jane are out of God’s will.
Later, another Chinese official is shown talking to Li. “Think of your family, your parents, your brothers. Surely, you don’t want to create a problem for them. Do you?” What analogy between Communism and WOFF-life would be complete without this? Both groups use the family ties as a last resort to keep their members in line and in the respective groups. You will lose your family if you chose to leave WOFF! And sadly, many do lose family relationships over Communism, and over WOFF-ism. In this true story, the ending for Li is actually better than many who have left WOFF. Communist leaders allowed a better ending than many experience with Jane.
This movie was rich in drama, emotions and inspiration. I do recommend you watch it as you will be inspired to cherish the freedoms we take for granted everyday in this country; freedoms that WOFF members surrender to be a part of Jane’s group.
Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.
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Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be. Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 394.