Review of The Children of Huang Shi (2008) by Mary S — 26 Jun 2008
Inspired by the life of British journalist George Hogg, this film tells the story of Hogg's time in Japanese-occupied China during World War II. Hogg, eager to tell a story that hasn't yet been told, heads to devastated Nanjing, where he is nearly killed.
Sent to Huang Shi to recuperate, Hogg reluctantly finds himself the head of an orphanage of young Chinese boys. This film adaptation of his attempts to keep the boys safe in an unforgiving war zone falls disappointingly flat.
The acting, particularly female lead Radha Mitchell, is frequently leaden. The story is heartwarming, if entirely predictable, however, and the scenery is gorgeous. Recommended but only for those interested in China during World War II and fans of Jonathan Rhys-Meyers.
This review of The Children of Huang Shi (2008) was written by Mary S on 26 Jun 2008.
The Children of Huang Shi has generally received positive reviews.
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