Tip#487: Amazing True Stories Part 2 - Mao’s Last Dancer

It's another sunny day and the 36th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is underway here in Toronto. I'm reminded of acclaimed movies that have premiered here like Slumdog Millionaire, American Beauty, Black Swan and Chariots of Fire. Recently I was recommended to see a film that premiered in 2009 and it inspired me on so many levels. It's power came from being an amazing true story.

Mao's Last Dancer 2009

The movie Mao's Last Dancer is based on the autobiography of ballet dancer Li Cunxin (Chi Cao). At 11 years old Li was sent from his rural village commune to Beijing for ballet training. Despite his weak physique he finds a supportive teacher named Chan (Su Zhang) who helps him transform his mindset and build his strength.

Teacher Chan tells Li the story of a man who wanted to be an archer but wasn't strong enough. He was determined so everyday he carried heavy logs for a year. One day his master handed him the heaviest, most powerful bow and when he pulled the bowstring it felt as light as a feather!

Li learned from this story and strapped weights to his ankles while he trained. Eventually he was able to build his body strength and fly gracefully through the air. That resulted in being discovered by American ballet director Ben Stevenson (Bruce Greenwood) leading to success and acclaim in the US and then around the world. See: movie trailer

Seek Out Inspiring Stories

This film captures the magic of the movies shown at TIFF. It also inspired me for the strength, perseverance and courage the main character had to endure years of hardship. It was also inspiring to learn Li became a motivational speaker. See his website: click here

If you are finding yourself struggling with challenges in your life, work or career seek out true stories of real-life heroes that persevered through their challenges. And seek out movie heroes based on amazing true stories and they will help show you that anything you want to achieve is possible!

See blog post for Tip#448: Amazing True Stories Part 1 - Secretariat

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