Review of The Children of Huang Shi (2008) by Peter S — 29 Jun 2008

There are several strong qualities that stand out in this film, most notably a very touching and amazing story (set in Japanese occupied China) combined with Zhao Xiaodong's ("House of Flying Daggers") stunning cinematography.

The script however is underbaked and the acting/casting remains the missing ingredient in the recipe for a truly great film. This is notable for being the first full co-production between Australia and China, and while "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" stars Chow Yun-Fat and Michelle Yeoh are re-united on screen, you get the feeling this is merely for marketing purposes with complete disregard for the roles they have been chosen to portray.

Worse so are the choices of Mitchell and Rhys-Meyers as the leads, and the subplot of their romance shows no signs of chemistry or believability. Overall a decent film adaptation of a story that needs to be told.