Review of The Flowers of War (2011) by Dawdlingpoet — 21 Nov 2021

This film features some nice, colourful visual imagery at times (including moments of scenes centering on the churches bright stained glass windows and bright clothing) but there is also a fair amount of jerky/shaky camerawork, making it feel rather disorientating and the Chinese ladies are somewhat infuriatingly argumentative, to start with. As the plot developed, I admired the actions of the main character, John Miller. Knowing that he's played by Christian Bale, I did find myself thinking it seemed perhaps a little ironic that someone well known for playing sometimes somewhat psychopathic killers, would play the hero but then again, he has played Batman and he's a good guy (right?).

This is undoubtedly a gritty, grim, war based film. Its pretty tense and fairly engrossing, with a fair amount of bloody violence (some scenes played in slow motion to show the detail of where bullets hit, the trajectory etc.). I suppose it does give you a rough idea of what it may have been like at the time the film is set in - its certainly supposed to be (if only partly) based on true events, I assume - there's some text explaining the context of the situation we witness, provided at the start of the film. I gather the film is based on a novel but I assume there is a certain element of truth to it, regardless. I wouldn't know enough to be able to confirm or deny that as such though.

It surprised me how the tone and pace of the film changed quite so quick at times. I suppose it is more thoughtful (in terms of dialogue) than other big action war films, mainly occupied in special effects. I found the Chinese women gave very good performances, showing their sadness and other emotions quite convincingly. Its quite poignant at times. Due to this and the scenes which are more thought provoking and perhaps even somewhat philosophical (to an extent), I would recommend this film, yes.