Mao's Last Dancer (2010)

Mao's Last Dancer poster
Theatrical Performance
Domestic Box Office $4,806,750Details
International Box Office $21,134,687Details
Worldwide Box Office $25,941,437
Further financial details...

Synopsis

Mao's Last Dancer is the inspiring true story of Li Cunxin and his extraordinary journey from a poor upbringing in rural China to international stardom as a world-class ballet dancer. Based on the bestselling autobiography, Mao's Last Dancer weaves a moving tale about the quest for freedom and the courage it takes to live your own life. The film compellingly captures the struggles, sacrifices and triumphs, as well as the intoxicating effects of first love and celebrity amid the pain of exile.

Metrics

Opening Weekend:$199,657 (4.2% of total gross)
Legs:14.06 (domestic box office/biggest weekend)
Domestic Share:18.5% (domestic box office/worldwide)
Production Budget:$18,000,000 (worldwide box office is 1.4 times production budget)
Theater counts:33 opening theaters/137 max. theaters, 9.6 weeks average run per theater
Infl. Adj. Dom. BO $6,567,392

Latest Ranking on Cumulative Box Office Lists

RecordRankAmount
All Time Domestic Box Office (Rank 6,601-6,700) 6,629 $4,806,750
All Time International Box Office (Rank 3,401-3,500) 3,410 $21,134,687
All Time Worldwide Box Office (Rank 4,701-4,800) 4,704 $25,941,437
All Time Domestic Highest Grossing Limited Release Movies (Rank 501-600) 534 $4,806,750

See the Box Office tab (Domestic) and International tab (International and Worldwide) for more Cumulative Box Office Records.


Movie Details

Domestic Releases: August 20th, 2010 (Limited) by Samuel Goldwyn Films
International Releases: December 9th, 2011 (Wide) (Brazil)
April 13th, 2012 (Wide) (Mexico)
June 15th, 2012 (Wide) (Colombia)
December 6th, 2012 (Wide) (Chile)
Video Release: March 29th, 2011 by Fox Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: PG for a brief violent image, some sensuality, language and incidental smoking
(Rating bulletin 2118, 4/28/2010)
Running Time: 117 minutes
Comparisons: vs. Milk
Create your own comparison chart…
Keywords: Biography, Dancing, Political, Biographical Drama, Set in China, 1960s, 1970s, Texas, Communism
Source:Based on Real Life Events
Genre:Drama
Production Method:Live Action
Creative Type:Dramatization
Production/Financing Companies: Great Scott Productions
Production Countries: United States
Languages: English, Mandarin

Compare this performance with other movies…

Domestic Cumulative Box Office Records

Weekend Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
Aug 20, 2010 31 $199,657   33 $6,050   $777,657 1
Aug 27, 2010 25 $299,691 +50% 75 $3,996   $1,193,813 2
Sep 3, 2010 28 $338,179 +13% 95 $3,560   $1,676,189 3
Sep 10, 2010 29 $341,941 +1% 102 $3,352   $2,225,057 4
Sep 17, 2010 30 $238,007 -30% 98 $2,429   $2,617,290 5
Sep 24, 2010 25 $273,176 +15% 122 $2,239   $3,013,322 6
Oct 1, 2010 22 $263,534 -4% 137 $1,924   $3,420,367 7
Oct 8, 2010 27 $183,230 -30% 121 $1,514   $3,737,348 8
Oct 15, 2010 34 $151,571 -17% 116 $1,307   $3,993,961 9
Oct 22, 2010 34 $126,715 -16% 102 $1,242   $4,196,120 10
Oct 29, 2010 33 $117,235 -7% 96 $1,221   $4,385,595 11
Nov 5, 2010 36 $100,022 -15% 81 $1,235   $4,553,640 12
Nov 12, 2010 40 $56,911 -43% 55 $1,035   $4,664,095 13
Nov 19, 2010 39 $36,487 -36% 42 $869   $4,734,677 14
Nov 26, 2010 48 $31,216 -14% 22 $1,419   $4,780,216 15
Dec 3, 2010 53 $17,421 -44% 23 $757   $4,806,750 16

Daily Box Office Performance

DateRankGross%YD%LWTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossDays
Sep 6, 2010 28 $106,021     95 $1,116   $1,782,210 18

Weekly Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
Aug 20, 2010 30 $316,122   33 $9,579   $894,122 1
Aug 27, 2010 24 $443,888 +40% 75 $5,919   $1,338,010 2
Sep 3, 2010 28 $545,106 +23% 95 $5,738   $1,883,116 3
Sep 10, 2010 26 $496,167 -9% 102 $4,864   $2,379,283 4
Sep 17, 2010 25 $360,863 -27% 98 $3,682   $2,740,146 5
Sep 24, 2010 22 $416,687 +15% 122 $3,415   $3,156,833 6
Oct 1, 2010 22 $397,285 -5% 137 $2,900   $3,554,118 7
Oct 8, 2010 28 $288,272 -27% 121 $2,382   $3,842,390 8
Oct 15, 2010 34 $227,015 -21% 116 $1,957   $4,069,405 9
Oct 22, 2010 33 $198,955 -12% 102 $1,951   $4,268,360 10
Oct 29, 2010 33 $185,258 -7% 96 $1,930   $4,453,618 11
Nov 5, 2010 38 $153,566 -17% 81 $1,896   $4,607,184 12
Nov 12, 2010 36 $91,006 -41% 55 $1,655   $4,698,190 13
Nov 19, 2010 46 $50,810 -44% 42 $1,210   $4,749,000 14
Nov 26, 2010 47 $40,329 -21% 22 $1,833   $4,789,329 15
Dec 3, 2010 62 $17,421 -57% 23 $757   $4,806,750 16

Box Office Summary Per Territory

Territory Release
Date
Opening
Weekend
Opening
Weekend
Screens
Maximum
Screens
Theatrical
Engagements
Total
Box Office
Report
Date
Brazil 12/9/2011 $0 0 3 5 $1,067,752 12/10/2015
Chile 12/6/2012 $0 0 2 3 $7,170 12/29/2018
Colombia 6/15/2012 $20,702 16 16 30 $114,239 12/29/2018
Mexico 4/13/2012 $0 0 20 47 $143,736 12/10/2015
 
Rest of World $19,801,790
 
International Total$21,134,687 12/29/2018

International Cumulative Box Office Records


Worldwide Cumulative Box Office Records


Full financial estimates for this film, including domestic and international box office, video sales, video rentals, TV and ancillary revenue are available through our research services. For more information, please contact us at research@the-numbers.com.

Leading Cast

Chi Cao    Li Cunxin

Supporting Cast

Ferdinand Hoang    Consul Zhang
Wang Shuangbao    Dia
Penne Hackforth-Jones    Cynthia Dodds
Guo Chenwu*    Li Cunxin (as teenager)
Bruce Greenwood    Ben Stevenson
Jack Thomson    Judge Woodrow Seals
Huang Wenbin    Li Cunxin (as child)
Joan Chen    Niang
Aden Young    Dilworth
Madeleine Eastoe    Lori
Kyle MacLachlan    Charles Foster
Camilla Vergotis    Mary McKendry
Amanda Schull    Elizabeth Macky

For a description of the different acting role types we use to categorize acting perfomances, see our Glossary.

Production and Technical Credits

Bruce Beresford    Director
Jan Sardi    Screenwriter
Li Cunxin    Story Creator
Jane Scott    Producer
Troy Lum    Executive Producer
Geng Ling    Executive Producer
Bruce Beresford    Co-Producer

Almost No Activity on the Per Theater Chart

October 26th, 2010

There was only one film that reached the $10,000 mark on the per theater chart, and it was the overall box office leader, Paranormal Activity 2. That film opened with an average of $12,649 in just over 3200 theaters. More...

Some Super New Releases on Per Theater Chart

September 28th, 2010

There were three films that topped $10,000 on the per theater chart, including one that topped $30,000. That film was Waiting for Superman, which pulled in an average of $34,758 in four theaters. However, its prospects for a wide expansion are limited, since it is a documentary. Second place went to You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger with and average of $26,684 in six theaters, but it likely has a better chance at significant expansion. The final $10,000 film was Enter the Void with an average of $14,550 in three theaters. More...

Romantics Love the Per Theater Chart

September 14th, 2010

There were just a ton of films to reach the $10,000 mark on the per theater chart over the weekend, led by The Romantics with an average of $22,764 in two theaters. However, with its reviews, it probably won't last long. Heartbreak opened in second place with an average of $17,543 in three theaters, but it will likely have better legs. Ahead of Time and My Dog Tulip were neck-and-neck with $12,790 and $12,648 respectively. Finally, Dabangg opened with more than $600,000 in 62 theaters for an average of $10,131. More...

Top of Per Theater Chart is up for the Taking

August 30th, 2010

No film was able to top the $10,000 mark on the per theater chart with Takers coming very close with an average of $9,298. More...

Doc Tops Per Theater Chart

August 24th, 2010

The Tillman Story led the way on the Per Theater Chart with an average of $13,046 in four theaters. Given its reviews, it could last a long time in theaters. Soul Kitchen was the only other film to reach the $10,000 mark with an average of $10,458 in two theaters. More...

Last Limited Releases

August 20th, 2010

Not a whole lot of limited releases on this week's list, and only one of them is earning overwhelmingly positive reviews. That film is The Tillman Story, which is clearly the best as far as reviews, but I don't think any film here has a real shot at mainstream success. More...


  1. Summary
  2. News
  3. Box Office
  4. International
  5. Video Sales
  6. Full Financials
  7. Cast & Crew
  8. Trailer

Synopsis

Mao's Last Dancer is the inspiring true story of Li Cunxin and his extraordinary journey from a poor upbringing in rural China to international stardom as a world-class ballet dancer. Based on the bestselling autobiography, Mao's Last Dancer weaves a moving tale about the quest for freedom and the courage it takes to live your own life. The film compellingly captures the struggles, sacrifices and triumphs, as well as the intoxicating effects of first love and celebrity amid the pain of exile.

Metrics

Opening Weekend:$199,657 (4.2% of total gross)
Legs:14.06 (domestic box office/biggest weekend)
Domestic Share:18.5% (domestic box office/worldwide)
Production Budget:$18,000,000 (worldwide box office is 1.4 times production budget)
Theater counts:33 opening theaters/137 max. theaters, 9.6 weeks average run per theater
Infl. Adj. Dom. BO $6,567,392

Latest Ranking on Cumulative Box Office Lists

RecordRankAmount
All Time Domestic Box Office (Rank 6,601-6,700) 6,629 $4,806,750
All Time International Box Office (Rank 3,401-3,500) 3,410 $21,134,687
All Time Worldwide Box Office (Rank 4,701-4,800) 4,704 $25,941,437
All Time Domestic Highest Grossing Limited Release Movies (Rank 501-600) 534 $4,806,750

See the Box Office tab (Domestic) and International tab (International and Worldwide) for more Cumulative Box Office Records.


Movie Details

Domestic Releases: August 20th, 2010 (Limited) by Samuel Goldwyn Films
International Releases: December 9th, 2011 (Wide) (Brazil)
April 13th, 2012 (Wide) (Mexico)
June 15th, 2012 (Wide) (Colombia)
December 6th, 2012 (Wide) (Chile)
Video Release: March 29th, 2011 by Fox Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: PG for a brief violent image, some sensuality, language and incidental smoking
(Rating bulletin 2118, 4/28/2010)
Running Time: 117 minutes
Comparisons: vs. Milk
Create your own comparison chart…
Keywords: Biography, Dancing, Political, Biographical Drama, Set in China, 1960s, 1970s, Texas, Communism
Source:Based on Real Life Events
Genre:Drama
Production Method:Live Action
Creative Type:Dramatization
Production/Financing Companies: Great Scott Productions
Production Countries: United States
Languages: English, Mandarin

Leading Cast

Chi Cao    Li Cunxin

Supporting Cast

Ferdinand Hoang    Consul Zhang
Wang Shuangbao    Dia
Penne Hackforth-Jones    Cynthia Dodds
Guo Chenwu*    Li Cunxin (as teenager)
Bruce Greenwood    Ben Stevenson
Jack Thomson    Judge Woodrow Seals
Huang Wenbin    Li Cunxin (as child)
Joan Chen    Niang
Aden Young    Dilworth
Madeleine Eastoe    Lori
Kyle MacLachlan    Charles Foster
Camilla Vergotis    Mary McKendry
Amanda Schull    Elizabeth Macky

For a description of the different acting role types we use to categorize acting perfomances, see our Glossary.

Production and Technical Credits

Bruce Beresford    Director
Jan Sardi    Screenwriter
Li Cunxin    Story Creator
Jane Scott    Producer
Troy Lum    Executive Producer
Geng Ling    Executive Producer
Bruce Beresford    Co-Producer

Almost No Activity on the Per Theater Chart

October 26th, 2010

There was only one film that reached the $10,000 mark on the per theater chart, and it was the overall box office leader, Paranormal Activity 2. That film opened with an average of $12,649 in just over 3200 theaters. More...

Some Super New Releases on Per Theater Chart

September 28th, 2010

There were three films that topped $10,000 on the per theater chart, including one that topped $30,000. That film was Waiting for Superman, which pulled in an average of $34,758 in four theaters. However, its prospects for a wide expansion are limited, since it is a documentary. Second place went to You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger with and average of $26,684 in six theaters, but it likely has a better chance at significant expansion. The final $10,000 film was Enter the Void with an average of $14,550 in three theaters. More...

Romantics Love the Per Theater Chart

September 14th, 2010

There were just a ton of films to reach the $10,000 mark on the per theater chart over the weekend, led by The Romantics with an average of $22,764 in two theaters. However, with its reviews, it probably won't last long. Heartbreak opened in second place with an average of $17,543 in three theaters, but it will likely have better legs. Ahead of Time and My Dog Tulip were neck-and-neck with $12,790 and $12,648 respectively. Finally, Dabangg opened with more than $600,000 in 62 theaters for an average of $10,131. More...

Top of Per Theater Chart is up for the Taking

August 30th, 2010

No film was able to top the $10,000 mark on the per theater chart with Takers coming very close with an average of $9,298. More...

Doc Tops Per Theater Chart

August 24th, 2010

The Tillman Story led the way on the Per Theater Chart with an average of $13,046 in four theaters. Given its reviews, it could last a long time in theaters. Soul Kitchen was the only other film to reach the $10,000 mark with an average of $10,458 in two theaters. More...

Last Limited Releases

August 20th, 2010

Not a whole lot of limited releases on this week's list, and only one of them is earning overwhelmingly positive reviews. That film is The Tillman Story, which is clearly the best as far as reviews, but I don't think any film here has a real shot at mainstream success. More...

Compare this performance with other movies…

Domestic Cumulative Box Office Records

Weekend Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
Aug 20, 2010 31 $199,657   33 $6,050   $777,657 1
Aug 27, 2010 25 $299,691 +50% 75 $3,996   $1,193,813 2
Sep 3, 2010 28 $338,179 +13% 95 $3,560   $1,676,189 3
Sep 10, 2010 29 $341,941 +1% 102 $3,352   $2,225,057 4
Sep 17, 2010 30 $238,007 -30% 98 $2,429   $2,617,290 5
Sep 24, 2010 25 $273,176 +15% 122 $2,239   $3,013,322 6
Oct 1, 2010 22 $263,534 -4% 137 $1,924   $3,420,367 7
Oct 8, 2010 27 $183,230 -30% 121 $1,514   $3,737,348 8
Oct 15, 2010 34 $151,571 -17% 116 $1,307   $3,993,961 9
Oct 22, 2010 34 $126,715 -16% 102 $1,242   $4,196,120 10
Oct 29, 2010 33 $117,235 -7% 96 $1,221   $4,385,595 11
Nov 5, 2010 36 $100,022 -15% 81 $1,235   $4,553,640 12
Nov 12, 2010 40 $56,911 -43% 55 $1,035   $4,664,095 13
Nov 19, 2010 39 $36,487 -36% 42 $869   $4,734,677 14
Nov 26, 2010 48 $31,216 -14% 22 $1,419   $4,780,216 15
Dec 3, 2010 53 $17,421 -44% 23 $757   $4,806,750 16

Daily Box Office Performance

DateRankGross%YD%LWTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossDays
Sep 6, 2010 28 $106,021     95 $1,116   $1,782,210 18

Weekly Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
Aug 20, 2010 30 $316,122   33 $9,579   $894,122 1
Aug 27, 2010 24 $443,888 +40% 75 $5,919   $1,338,010 2
Sep 3, 2010 28 $545,106 +23% 95 $5,738   $1,883,116 3
Sep 10, 2010 26 $496,167 -9% 102 $4,864   $2,379,283 4
Sep 17, 2010 25 $360,863 -27% 98 $3,682   $2,740,146 5
Sep 24, 2010 22 $416,687 +15% 122 $3,415   $3,156,833 6
Oct 1, 2010 22 $397,285 -5% 137 $2,900   $3,554,118 7
Oct 8, 2010 28 $288,272 -27% 121 $2,382   $3,842,390 8
Oct 15, 2010 34 $227,015 -21% 116 $1,957   $4,069,405 9
Oct 22, 2010 33 $198,955 -12% 102 $1,951   $4,268,360 10
Oct 29, 2010 33 $185,258 -7% 96 $1,930   $4,453,618 11
Nov 5, 2010 38 $153,566 -17% 81 $1,896   $4,607,184 12
Nov 12, 2010 36 $91,006 -41% 55 $1,655   $4,698,190 13
Nov 19, 2010 46 $50,810 -44% 42 $1,210   $4,749,000 14
Nov 26, 2010 47 $40,329 -21% 22 $1,833   $4,789,329 15
Dec 3, 2010 62 $17,421 -57% 23 $757   $4,806,750 16

Box Office Summary Per Territory

Territory Release
Date
Opening
Weekend
Opening
Weekend
Screens
Maximum
Screens
Theatrical
Engagements
Total
Box Office
Report
Date
Brazil 12/9/2011 $0 0 3 5 $1,067,752 12/10/2015
Chile 12/6/2012 $0 0 2 3 $7,170 12/29/2018
Colombia 6/15/2012 $20,702 16 16 30 $114,239 12/29/2018
Mexico 4/13/2012 $0 0 20 47 $143,736 12/10/2015
 
Rest of World $19,801,790
 
International Total$21,134,687 12/29/2018

International Cumulative Box Office Records


Worldwide Cumulative Box Office Records


Full financial estimates for this film, including domestic and international box office, video sales, video rentals, TV and ancillary revenue are available through our research services. For more information, please contact us at research@the-numbers.com.