Review of The Flowers of War (2011) by Sandy K — 06 Dec 2012
The atrocities by the invading Japanese against Chinese civilians in Nanking in 1937 -- in particular the mass rapes and brutal murder of girls and women -- are the graphic centerpiece of this story about a self-centered American's (Christian Bale) metamorphosis into a reluctant hero.
Although there is a token Japanese leader portrayed as cultured and honorable, the film is heavy-handed in depicting the Japanese as crazed monsters. It's also never clear why Bale's character is in China in the first place.
But the struggle for survival of the group of convent girls and the prostitutes who sought shelter in the church is compelling, and the sacrifices made to save others can't help but touch the heart.
This review of The Flowers of War (2011) was written by Sandy K on 06 Dec 2012.
The Flowers of War has generally received positive reviews.
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