The Japanese Imperial Army overruns China's capital city, Nanking, in December and carries out the Nanking massacre. About The Flowers of War The powerful Chinese novel about love and war on which Zhang Yimou (Raise the Red Lantern; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) has based his latest film starring Christian Bale to … "[51] Roger Ebert, who gave the film 2 out of 4 stars, took issue with making the story about a white American, "Can you think of any reason the character John Miller is needed to tell his story? The savagery inflicted upon the Chinese in 1937 by invading Japanese troops during the historical atrocity known as "The Rape of Nanking" is graphically portrayed. I hope those things are felt in this story. The arc of Christian Bale's character may seem 'predictable', but it is never false or 'convenient' to the story. "The Flowers of War" is in many ways a good film, as we expect from Zhang Yimou ("Ju Dou," "Raise the Red Lantern," "To Live"). At the screening I attended we were introduced to Ni Ni, who said this was her first film. [13] It also received a nomination for the 69th Golden Globe Awards. [38][39] It was the top-grossing Chinese film of 2011, having earned $70 million after two weeks. This is an emotionally powerful story about people caught in circumstances for which there seems no hope of survival. The Flowers of War | Huang Tianyuan. All actors are excellent. The Avengers. Another Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? The choices and sacrifices made by the characters never seemed contrived. After they depart, Miller hides the schoolgirls on the truck he repaired and using a single-person permit provided by the father of a schoolgirl, drives out of Nanking. Upon arrival he finds himself the lone adult among a group of convent girl students and prostitutes from a nearby brothel. Zhang Yimou shows without concessions the military occupation of a devastated city, the atrocious crimes, the civilians turned into innocent victims and, above… The Flowers of War is peopled by broad character types. The novel is based on true events in that it is centered on the 1937 Japanese attack known as the Massacre of Nanjing (sometimes spelled Nanking at that time.) It’s actually pretty strange and even funny to see him mutter his way around a church in the middle of a fallen city. [26] One challenging aspect was what Zhang called the "very slow pace" of negotiation with the Chinese censorship authorities during the editing process. Batman Begins. Based on the story of Micky Ward, a fledgling boxer who tries to escape the shadow of his more famous but troubled older boxing brother and get his own shot at greatness. $2.99 used View Item. [4][5][6] The film is based on a novella by Geling Yan, 13 Flowers of Nanjing, inspired by the diary of Minnie Vautrin. Bobby Platt is a mentally slow young man who escapes an abusive, hateful stepfather who has killed his pets one by one. Geling Yan is an award-winning Chinese novelist and screenwriter. The Flowers of War The Feds try to take down notorious American gangsters John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd during a booming crime wave in the 1930s. [40][41] After 17 days, the movie had grossed nearly $83 million, making it the sixth-highest-grossing film in China, following American exports such as Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen ($145.5 million) and Avatar ($204 million). For me, the event is the historical background of the film. In 1937, Japan invades China, beginning the Second Sino-Japanese War. Edit . When he finds himself in the unwanted position of protector of both groups from the horrors of the invading Japanese army, he discovers the meaning of sacrifice and honor. [42][43] After five weeks of release the movie earned $93 million. When in negotiations with the eight cinema circuits in question, it resulted in a threat to boycott the movie over the distributors' share. The Japanese soldiers are shown as barbaric, but we do meet an officer who attempts to remain honorable though he must do his duty to his superiors. The War of the Flowers was a frustrating book for me. Upon arrival he finds himself the lone adult among a group of convent girl … Audiences Cold", "Reminder List of Productions Eligible for the 84th Academy Awards", "Reel China: Christian Bale's 'Flowers' picked as Oscar submission", "13 Flowers of Nanjing Set Photos of Christian Bale", "Toronto 2011: Christian Bale's China movie previewed for buyers", "Hong Kong chooses A Simple Life for Oscar race, China selects The Flowers of War", "China to Submit 'The Flowers of War' in Foreign-Language Oscar Race", "63 Countries Vie for 2011 Foreign Language Film Oscar", "Zhang, Bale blossom together on 'Flowers of War, "Flying Swords leads nominations for Asian Film Awards", "The Flowers of War Acquired by Wrekin Hill Entertainment", "Poster for THE FLOWERS OF WAR is beautiful! The novel is based on true events in that it is centered on the 1937 Japanese attack known as the Massacre of Nanjing (sometimes spelled Nanking at that time.) Lu Chuan's "City of Life and Death'' was released in the United States last year and presented a far greater, grimmer, and more punishing re-creation of the sacking. With Christian Bale, Ni Ni, Xinyi Zhang, Tianyuan Huang. To save himself, Bobby runs away and meets a strange old man who ... See full summary ». Flowers of War, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. A letter was sent to the Film Bureau of SARFT, hoping it would mediate the dispute. After an incident when rogue Japanese forces assault the cathedral (who are then killed by the dying effort of a lone Chinese Major (Tong)), Japanese Colonel Hasegawa promises to protect the convent by placing guards outside the gate and requests that the schoolgirls sing a chorale for him. In fear for their lives, a group of prostitutes flee the Japanese atrocities by climbing over the walls of convent and church where young school girls, some from elite families, are being educated. [20] The dialogue of the film was shot about 40% in English and the rest in Mandarin Chinese (particularly in the Nanjing dialect, distinct from Standard Chinese) and Japanese,[21][22] with an estimated production budget of $94 million,[1] which makes it the most expensive film in Chinese history. Geling Yan's works have been translated into over a dozen languages, and several have been adapted for the screen, the latest being The Flowers of War. "[52], The Flowers of War was released on Blu-ray Disc and DVD on June 10, 2012.[57][58]. Lu and Feng are a devoted couple forced to separate when Lu is arrested and sent to a labor camp as a political prisoner during the Cultural Revolution. Upon arrival he finds himself the lone adult among a group of convent girl students and prostitutes from a nearby brothel. "[47] Pete Hammond from Boxoffice Magazine gave it 4 stars of 5, and said "The Flowers of War is ultimately an inspiring, stirring and unforgettable human drama in the face of a horrifying war. The next day, the "13 Flowers of Nanking" are led away by the unsuspecting Japanese soldiers. (2011). [29] In October 2011, the first trailer was released, making way for an American trailer to be revealed. msmith5484. Posing as a priest, he attempts to lead the women to safety. Regarding Colonel Hasegawa's sympathetic features, he explained that "in 1937, the militaristic notion among Japanese armies was very prevalent, and officers were not allowed to sing a homesick folk song, but we still wanted to endow this character with something special. $2.99 used View Item. 'The Flowers of War' is a stirring, emotionally powerful film about sacrifice and compassion in the face of despair. [14] The 6th Asian Film Awards presented The Flowers of War with several individual nominations, including Best Film. $4.99 used View Item. The budget for The Flowers of War was $94 million and in 2011 it was the most expensive Chinese production and the picture was designed to reach a large global audience. Bale’s reluctant hero is sort of like Han Solo by way of Barfly ‘s Henry Chinaski. He finally returns home only to find that his beloved wife no longer recognizes him. The film of this book, made by acclaimed Chinese director Zhang Yimou (Raise the Red Lantern, House of Flying Dangers) stars Christian Bale and is China's entry for the 2011 Academy Awards. The violence in the movie is brutal, but not graphic or gratuitous. [8][9], It was selected as the Chinese entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards,[10][11][12] but did not make the final shortlist. [44] The film reportedly earned $95 million in China. Zhang Weiping, producer of The Flowers of War and head of New Pictures Film, also refused to make any concessions. $5.69 used View Item. Pretending to be a priest, Miller tries to keep everyone safe while trying to repair the convent's truck to escape. In the last scene, the truck is seen driving on a deserted highway heading west, away from the Japanese army. The Flowers of War is a brutal and cruel portrait of war beyond the battlefields. A small-time rancher agrees to hold a captured outlaw who's awaiting a train to go to court in Yuma. In December 2010, it was announced that the film would be made, and pre-production started the same month. The Avengers. After Fugui and Jiazhen lose their personal fortunes, they raise a family and survive difficult cultural changes during 1940s to 1970s China. They began shooting on location in Nanjing, China, on January 10, 2011. Soon a group of flamboyant prostitutes arrive at the cathedral, seeking refuge by hiding in the cellar. The fate of the 13 Flowers remains unknown, apparently martyring themselves for the schoolgirls' freedom. He finds George, an orphan boy who was raised by the dead priest and taught English. [28] Zhang stated that the story in The Flowers of War differs from many other Chinese films on this subject as it is told from the perspectives of women. Director Zhang Yimou constructs a visually beautiful, visceral experience that is both elegant and chaotic. Human nature, love and sacrifice – these are the things that are truly eternal. The Flowers of War is an unforgettable journey through the depths of the human heart. The prostitutes also create knives out of broken windows and hide them in their cloaks. Would that be asking for too much? The Flowers of War is a tough film, but is full of beauty and an important message. View production, box office, & company info. $4.69 used View Item. The Flowers of War Synopsis: In 1937 China, during the second Sino-Japanese war, a mortician, John (Christian Bale) arrives at a Catholic church in Nanjing to prepare a priest for burial. The Flowers of War is based on a true story; the 1937 Nanking Massacre, when invading Japanese Imperial Army forces killed an estimated 300,000 civilians (this is according to the Chinese. The Flowers of War (Chinese: 金陵十三钗) is a 2011 historical drama war film directed by Zhang Yimou, starring Christian Bale, Ni Ni, Zhang Xinyi, Tong Dawei, Atsuro Watabe, Shigeo Kobayashi and Cao Kefan. The Flowers of War is a 2011 Chinese historical drama directed by Zhang Yimou and based on the novel "13 Flowers of Nanjing" by Geling Yan. Video Top 10 Cutest Korean Drama Couples That'll Make You Swoon! $4.69 used View Item. Batman Begins. The Flowers of War (R-130 minutes) opened to limited release in December and will expand further in January. The film is based on a novella by Geling Yan, 13 Flowers of Nanjing, inspired by the diary of Minnie Vautrin. Enemy of the State. Read full review No matter what wars or disasters happen in history, what surrounds these times is life, love, salvation and humanity. What are the differences between the censored European Version and the Original Version. Parents need to know that The Flowers of War alternates between scenes of intense wartime brutality and sentimental dramatic moments. Disturbing and heartfelt, the movie's drama is potent and inspirational. The character motivations feel real and … But the enduring question of the story is how the human spirit is expressed in wartime. The defiant leader Moses rises up against Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II, setting six hundred thousand slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues. "The Flowers of War," a melodramatic tale of unlikely heroism set during the Japanese invasion of Nanking, is affecting at times, but finally feels overblown and heavy-handed. "[25] The director articulated that his biggest, though challenging, accomplishment in the film was the creation of John Miller, saying that "this kind of character, a foreigner, a drifter, a thug almost, becomes a hero and saves the lives of Chinese people. 15 wins & 15 nominations. Yimou, through his daughter, told us about his journey to make this movie - based on a novel, based on real events. The story is set in Nanking, China, during the 1937 Nanking Massacre in the Second Sino-Japanese War. As the Japanese overrun the Chinese army, desperate schoolgirls flee to the sanctuary of their convent at a Western-run Roman Catholic cathedral. The Flowers of War (DVD) : The dangerous streets of Nanjing throw together a group of opposites, a flock of shell-shocked schoolchildren, a dozen seductive courtesans, and a renegade American posing as a priest to save his own skin, or so he thinks, all seeking safety behind a walled cathedral. Most Viewed In This Category. [27], On September 9, 2011, the film was retitled The Flowers of War, after a 20-minute screening for prominent U.S. film distributors and the media at the Toronto International Film Festival. Broken Arrow (1996) $3.99 used View Item. The flowers for this project were the red poppy, white daisy and blue cornflower symbolising the bonds between Australia and France and the enormous cultural losses to ourselves and all the countries involved in this war. Wu Hehu, the general manager of Shanghai United Cinema Circuit, made a statement, saying “this is a simple business situation. Before they leave, the Japanese soldiers count the schoolgirls and erroneously include one of the prostitutes (who has strayed from the cellar), totalling 13. Its exteriors were apparently shot on sets, including an impressive one for the cathedral and its surrounding grounds. I wish her a long career. [7] The story is set in Nanking, China, during the 1937 Nanking Massacre in the Second Sino-Japanese War. The Flowers of War Synopsis: In 1937 China, during the second Sino-Japanese war, a mortician, John (Christian Bale) arrives at a Catholic church in Nanjing to prepare a priest for burial. Most Viewed In This Category. Born in Shanghai, she served with the People's Liberation Army during the Cultural Revolution, starting aged 12 as a dancer in an entertainment troupe. Because they're foreign to me I had no idea who they are or their other work. Written by ", "Win advance screening passes to see The Flowers of War", "13 Flowers of Nanjing (TBA) – Running Time, Budget, Production Details", "First Look: Christian Bale in "The 13 Flowers of Nanjing, "OSCARS: Controversy Emerges As Deadline For Foreign-Language Film Entries Looms", "Filming 'The Flowers of War,' World Class Team Recreate Nanjing", "Zhang Yimou and the Challenges of Filming in China", "Zhang Yimou's WWII Film With Christian Bale Retitled 'The Flowers of War, "Chinese exhibitors to boycott Zhang Yimou's Flowers of War", "China banks on bloody blockbuster to win friends … and Oscars", "Zhang Yimou's The Flowers Of War triumps at China's box office", "Christian Bale-Led The Flowers of War Takes Top Spot at Chinese Box Office", "Box Office Report: Christian Bale's 'Flowers of War' Already Top-Grossing Chinese Film of 2011", "Christian Bale's 'Flowers of War' Grosses $83 Mil in 17 Days in China", "Christian Bale's 'Flowers of War' is a box-office smash in China", "Mainland Box Office Performance in Second Week 2012", "The Flowers of War – Inside Movies Since 1920", "The Flowers of War: the price of innocence in a world gone mad", "The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards NOMINATIONS", "The 31st Hong Kong Film Awards winners list", "MPSE Golden Reel Award Winners Announced", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Flowers_of_War&oldid=997557430, Articles containing simplified Chinese-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 1 January 2021, at 03:14. [37] In its first four days of release, it took in $24 million at the box office. [45] Metacritic, another review aggregator, assigned the film an average score of 46 (out of 100) based on 22 reviews from mainstream critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews. I read it after finishing Tad Williams' amazing Otherland series and, in many ways I was not disappointed. Was any consideration given to the possibility of a Chinese priest? 128 of 153 people found this review helpful. John Miller (Bale), an American mortician on a task to bury the head priest, joins the group of innocent schoolgirls. As there are only 12 prostitutes, George, the dead priest's adoptive son, volunteers as well. The Flowers of War | Huang Tianyuan. 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