He did not go to Chinese school until 9, and did not learn to speak English until 18. Yet he wrote his book in English, and he speaks so eloquently. What a brilliant man!
I watched "Mao's Last Dancer" and read the book and I am very humbled by it. I am the oldest of 7 children and can't imagine what it is like to grow up without having any of the things that we had. It is amazing to see how Li Cunxin has survived such hardships and grown into an amazing person!!
marvelous interview!!! so touching. Mr Manouse is so gentle and provocative at the same time and Li Cunxin is so articulate and charming. the commentary about his family's trip from China to the theater was so moving!!!
Its so important for people now to realize how much of a difference a chance at any education could have made on so many people in China even just 40 years ago. Great movie - the determination and the strength of will made me cry.
What an amazing life. I read his book in 2 days. Li Cunxin is an inspiration. Im thrilled to know he is living here in Australia with his beautiful family...it gives me a sense of connection to him....He also won Australian father of the year last year. A brilliant talent and a humble person. Li is wonderful.
I just finished watching “Mao’s Last Dancer.” I watched the trailer and right away wanted to watch it. It was an amazing story of struggles, strength, hope, love and support. Absolutely loved the movie. Then I came here to watch the interview. Thank you for sharing your life story. It is truly an inspiration to those who want to better their own lives and go forward with strength to do so.
What an incredible story and person Li is..Now I have to see the movie. Makes me count and appreciate my blessings more. He was 'Australian Father of the Year' in 2009 and deservedly so.
After I watched this interview, I couldn't hold my desire to watch his autobiographical movie "Mao's last Dancer" today. Immediately, I placed the order to Amazon and glued my eyes and finished to watch the movie just now. I cried at the end when he met his parents on the stage in Houston and when he met his inspirational teacher Mr. Chan. It is worthwhile to watch.
Yes, absolutely, the government squelched freedom, and this life and story is an example of great courage, honor and determination to overcome all odds. He is an example to us all.
I saw the movie which accurately reflected the horrors of the monsters: Mao and his wife, Jiang Qing's era in China. It was beautifully done with exquisite ballet interspersed in its toil and few years of glory, and agony at a short career's end, when Li's soloist partner was replaced by his future 2nd wife. The interview and story moved me to tears and I celebrate Li's glory and his mother, a powerful woman’s retort to the Communists when accused of raising such a ‘traitor son’!
This young man coming `to America, his struggle to stay in America, his incredible hard work in ballet, which it is trust me. Also his horrendous survival in China under Mao's ctuel regime and then to be locked up in the consulate and interrogated. Not hearing and worrying about his family. I commend this ~an and all his struggles and still became a classical dancers in the world. My heart goes out to Li and his family. I hope everyone who watches this interview and listened to Li's story is greatful we live in the democratic west.
I understand where this guy is coming from, people think when you criticize the government, they assume your critizing the culture. No. Hes critiquing the government and perhaps society for those who succumb to work for the government. It has nothing to do with being Chinese or the culture. He's proud of being Chinese, his culture but not the government.
my dad's born 1954, canton, though some details were different cuz of different province, but his story's pretty legit. Li cunxin's life, early mao's china life is was very much like that, and thus it was hard to believe that the very thing you believed in all your life was all wrong. it's actually painful to live with that truth.
@youratwitface Totally agree - I couldn't put the book down! & I think I cried around 5 times - no exaggeration by any means! Very humbling to say the least!
@5566NT That's very common for Asians to do that, westernizing their kids. I mean your children would grow up in the western culture regardless, but despite them being mixed with a white father, they would still look partly Asian. For that, I think it's important for people to learn about their heritage. It's a benefit to learn another culture or language, workplaces need bilingual or cultural people these days.
@nandeable I think that was how China was then, not how it is now. I find it to be a testimonial to how much China has advanced over the years, not a lack of pride in his ethnic identity.
Where can you possibly be coming from to speak this way? I hear no disrespect for the Chinese people, but for the oppressive form of communist government which denied its people all freedom. Because of his great love and respect for his parents and family and his conviction for freedom, he paid a great price to attain a better life for himself and his family - against all odds.
@wikct2 Yes, but perhaps I did not word myself clearly. I meant that it showed China in the past, and as a comparison to China now, shows how much we have advanced. :) Or I am simply wrong.
Came here after watching Mao's last dancer and I must say that his life story is extraordinary.
Same
He did not go to Chinese school until 9, and did not learn to speak English until 18. Yet he wrote his book in English, and he speaks so eloquently. What a brilliant man!
I watched "Mao's Last Dancer" and read the book and I am very humbled by it. I am the oldest of 7 children and can't imagine what it is like to grow up without having any of the things that we had. It is amazing to see how Li Cunxin has survived such hardships and grown into an amazing person!!
marvelous interview!!!
so touching.
Mr Manouse is so gentle and provocative at the same time and
Li Cunxin is so articulate and charming.
the commentary about his family's trip from China to the theater was so moving!!!
Its so important for people now to realize how much of a difference a chance at any education could have made on so many people in China even just 40 years ago. Great movie - the determination and the strength of will made me cry.
He is so eloquent. This interview is really interesting.
What an amazing life. I read his book in 2 days. Li Cunxin is an inspiration. Im thrilled to know he is living here in Australia with his beautiful family...it gives me a sense of connection to him....He also won Australian father of the year last year. A brilliant talent and a humble person. Li is wonderful.
I just finished watching “Mao’s Last Dancer.” I watched the trailer and right away wanted to watch it. It was an amazing story of struggles, strength, hope, love and support. Absolutely loved the movie. Then I came here to watch the interview. Thank you for sharing your life story. It is truly an inspiration to those who want to better their own lives and go forward with strength to do so.
forget the film ...read the book
I admire him so much. He speaks English like an Australian native. He is so talented.
he is a great narator sincere and honest.I admire him.
What an incredible story and person Li is..Now I have to see the movie.
Makes me count and appreciate my blessings more.
He was 'Australian Father of the Year' in 2009 and deservedly so.
what an incredible story, can't wait to watch the movie on Prime!
l have read the book and seen the movie and l loved every second of it , Li Cuxins story is amazing
After I watched this interview, I couldn't hold my desire to watch his autobiographical movie "Mao's last Dancer" today.
Immediately, I placed the order to Amazon and glued my eyes and finished to watch the movie just now. I cried at the end
when he met his parents on the stage in Houston and when he met his inspirational teacher Mr. Chan. It is worthwhile to watch.
Ernie Manouse is really delightful. so calm, so focused, so kind to Li Cunxin.
is he still with PBS
Yes, absolutely, the government squelched freedom, and this life and story is an example of great courage, honor and determination to overcome all odds. He is an example to us all.
I cried like hell reading the book
omgsls you should have seen me
I cried the crap out me
Thank you for posting this! Amazing!
What a great man !! from Mexico Nijao ! we love your movie ! we love you Li Cunxin !
Nice to know there are real life heroes like this man.
I saw the movie which accurately reflected the horrors of the monsters: Mao and his wife, Jiang Qing's era in China. It was beautifully done with exquisite ballet interspersed in its toil and few years of glory, and agony at a short career's end, when Li's soloist partner was replaced by his future 2nd wife. The interview and story moved me to tears and I celebrate Li's glory and his mother, a powerful woman’s retort to the Communists when accused of raising such a ‘traitor son’!
What an amazing man.
HIs story is one to be cherished, simply amazing.
This young man coming `to America, his struggle to stay in America, his incredible hard work in ballet, which it is trust me. Also his horrendous survival in China under Mao's ctuel regime and then to be locked up in the consulate and interrogated. Not hearing and worrying about his family. I commend this ~an and all his struggles and still became a classical dancers in the world. My heart goes out to Li and his family. I hope everyone who watches this interview and listened to Li's story is greatful we live in the democratic west.
Can't wait to see the movie..."Mao's Last Dancer". I will never look at another meal the same again, very very inspirational.
the best biography i have ever read
Great story, great Li Cunxin. He is originally from Qingdao, Shandong province of China. I read his book, very very inspiring!
only 10,674 viewss?? there shoold be at least 100 million
Watching this literally hours after reading his inspirational book.. ♥
I loved the movie, and now I'm spellbound by the book!
Awesome🙏🏽❤️
the most inspiring story i have ever read! if everyone could only read one book in there life, ot should be Mao's last dancer!
This is definitely on my "Must Read" books list!!~
Its painful and thankless at first, but you come to love it so much.
The movie is wonderful.
What a wonderful man Li Cun Xin is!!
jusy finished reading the book, lol once again America saves the day lol. but yeah inspiring story
Amazing man! Amazing story!
he's so sincere(:
I understand where this guy is coming from, people think when you criticize the government, they assume your critizing the culture. No. Hes critiquing the government and perhaps society for those who succumb to work for the government. It has nothing to do with being Chinese or the culture. He's proud of being Chinese, his culture but not the government.
I love his accent =]
my dad's born 1954, canton, though some details were different cuz of different province, but his story's pretty legit. Li cunxin's life, early mao's china life is was very much like that, and thus it was hard to believe that the very thing you believed in all your life was all wrong. it's actually painful to live with that truth.
@youratwitface Totally agree - I couldn't put the book down! & I think I cried around 5 times - no exaggeration by any means! Very humbling to say the least!
@5566NT That's very common for Asians to do that, westernizing their kids. I mean your children would grow up in the western culture regardless, but despite them being mixed with a white father, they would still look partly Asian. For that, I think it's important for people to learn about their heritage. It's a benefit to learn another culture or language, workplaces need bilingual or cultural people these days.
I just finished reading the book and badly want to watch it online but there are no links :(
love the book
maos last dancer is a great book
what an impressive man.
@nandeable I think that was how China was then, not how it is now. I find it to be a testimonial to how much China has advanced over the years, not a lack of pride in his ethnic identity.
Where can you possibly be coming from to speak this way? I hear no disrespect for the Chinese people, but for the oppressive form of communist government which denied its people all freedom. Because of his great love and respect for his parents and family and his conviction for freedom, he paid a great price to attain a better life for himself and his family - against all odds.
yeah
YAY
👍👍💕💕
wow!
@vintagestrat247 Since he's lived in Australia since 1995, I don't think it'll be an issue.
Love this shit
cool vid :D
wow, I saw the movie and it is so accurate with what he is saying!
I'm so proud to be Chinese :D
kewl
@wikct2 Yes, but perhaps I did not word myself clearly. I meant that it showed China in the past, and as a comparison to China now, shows how much we have advanced. :) Or I am simply wrong.
I Lol @ How the guy pronounced his name "Swin Sing" xD
@Mysweetstrawberryjam I realised that strayt away too
I love his story...the truth is always the uglier version of this story
@nandeable you should accept reality of life ,otherwise you would never know youeself your culture.