"The Flowers of War"

 2011 * R * 2h 26m I don't know how I missed this when it was released, but I'm glad, (if that's the correct term to use for such a grim film), I finally saw it. The story takes place during the second Sino-Japanese war in 1937, in what became know as the "Rape of Nanking". It was a brutal offensive by the Japanese as part of a series of land grabs in China. We see soldiers gunning down anyone they came across and follow a dozen young schoolgirls as they flee for their lives. They hide in the rubble, and eventually make their way to the Catholic Cathedral, where they seek shelter. 

There they encounter a drunken, rowdy American mortician John (Christian Bale). He lets the girls into the walled compound and eventually, pretending to be the priest, protects them. He reaches a truce with the Japanese commander. However, he eventually has to secretly harbor a group of prostitutes, who are also fleeing for their lives. Their tentative leader is Yu Mo (Ni Ni), who John refers to as simply "Mo". The two develop a special relationship, and the chemistry between the two is quite charming. 

The Flowers of War is from director Yimou Zhang, best know for Raise the Red Lantern and House of Flying Daggers, and is based on true events. The film utilizes an abundance of grey and subtle earth tones which gives it an ominous and dated feeling. The cinematography made it a truly harrowing experience. One can sense the fear the children were experiencing. The only negative comment I have is I felt Bale's character seemed a bit 21st Century in his mannerisms at times. His way of speaking seemed a little too hip for the film. Other than that, I found the movie to be quite moving. 

Four out of five stars. 

Currently streaming for free on Hoopla (with your library card), Tubi, and Freevee. Also on Plex, Pluto TV and  Amazon.