Review of The Flowers of War (2011) by Jamilet D — 20 Jul 2012

THE FLOWERS OF WAR (2011).

Directed by Yimou Zhang.

Starring: Christian Bale, Ni Ni, Huang Tianyuan, Shigeo Kobayashi, Dawel Tong, & 2 minutes of the always great Paul Shneider...literally two minutes...if that.

This film is yet another stamp in the book of one of the great actors of our time. Christian Bale shines as John Miller, an American mortician trapped in the midst of the all out 1937 Nanking blood baths as the war between China and Japan rages at it most violent. Miller takes refuge under the guise of a Western Priest whom is protected by the "Civil Codes of Japan's Army".

During the course of the invading Imperial Japanese Army tearing China's capital apart Miller takes over the cathedral & roles that go along with it...protecting the remaining members of the church chorus: Thirteen innocent Chinese School Girls. While not dousing himself in the church's vintage, Miller's history and traumatic past, begin to tear him down bit by bit until a band of 14 Legendary Chinese prostitutes come into the mix, also terrified and desperate civilians seeking sanctity.

The church, now John Miller, offers them refuge in the basement and all seems to be going so well until the commander of the Japanese Army decides that the virginal schoolgirls will be the perfect coming out party gifts for the Japanese Officers. Plans are made, lines are drawn and crossed and Miller and the ladies of come together. Yo Mo (the beautiful & accomplished Ni Ni) the leader of this illustrious band come up with the plan to exchange places with the girls to save them from the rape and mutilation of the Japanese.

This movie was more or less panned by critics and I just don't get it. It had its moments...ridiculous and predictable...but it's a beautifully resilient and brutally violent film.

I loved it and am man enough to admit that I shed several tears.

80% Fresh for me all the way based on direction, performances, and the cinematography alone.