The Flowers of War (2011)

The Flowers of War (2011)

Historical drama starring Christian Bale as an American mortician working in war-torn Nanking during a bloody battle between the Chinese and Japanese.

John Miller (Bale) is a western mortician who finds himself holed up in a church after the Japanese take control of the city of Nanking. Inside the church he finds a group of school girls hiding from the fighting, along with their inexperienced protector George (Tianyuan Huang). A group of local prostitutes soon find their way to the church, looking for refuge, much to Miller’s delight, and he tries to win the affections of their leader Yu Mo (Ni Ni), the only one of the ladies who can speak English.

The church soon comes under attack though, as Japanese soldiers swarm the building and look to rape the school girls. Miller steps in and pretends to be the priest, but is only saved by a lone Chinese soldier who creates a distraction outside and then heroically battles the Japanese single-handedly to his death. The church soon comes under Japanese “protection” from the rogue soldiers, but Miller suspects their kindness is part of a sinister ulterior motive.

A spectacular, authentic film, The Flowers of War daringly places English and Asian dialogue in equal balance with plenty of subtitles. This authentic effect is furthered by the almost completely Asian cast, who do a superb job of recreating this horrific incident.

Bale is on top form, showing off some major acting chops in this complex role, as well as battling the script with professional brilliance. The movie is deeply affecting, and, in places, gruesome and brutal without taking liberties. Whilst the tragedy is the main plot through the film, the part which stays with the viewer is the humanity and compassion shown between the people in the church, and the selfless sacrifices they all make.

A wonderful film.