I guess to ruin the beautiful things defines the tragedy. [7] The story is set in Nanking, China, during the 1937 Nanking Massacre in the Second Sino-Japanese War. The Avengers. A small-time rancher agrees to hold a captured outlaw who's awaiting a train to go to court in Yuma. Its exteriors were apparently shot on sets, including an impressive one for the cathedral and its surrounding grounds. So I went to cinema in the afternoon, and I could sleep until 5 am this morning. "[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. The fate of the 13 Flowers remains unknown, apparently martyring themselves for the schoolgirls' freedom. 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. To save himself, Bobby runs away and meets a strange old man who ... See full summary ». Another In December 2010, it was announced that the film would be made, and pre-production started the same month. Human nature, love and sacrifice – these are the things that are truly eternal. Zhang Yimou's war epic heralds new co-operation, but at times the stylistic gap between east and west is just too deep Guiding light … Christian Bale in The Flowers of War. A letter was sent to the Film Bureau of SARFT, hoping it would mediate the dispute. The Japanese Imperial Army overruns China's capital city, Nanking, in December and carries out the Nanking massacre. It is handsomely photographed. In the last scene, the truck is seen driving on a deserted highway heading west, away from the Japanese army. The story is set in Nanking, China, during the 1937 Nanking Massacre in the Second Sino-Japanese War. Geling Yan is an award-winning novelist and screenwriter. 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. When Rodney Baze mysteriously disappears and law enforcement doesn't follow through fast enough, his older brother, Russell, takes matters into his own hands to find justice. msmith5484. The film is based on a novella by Geling Yan, 13 Flowers of Nanjing, inspired by the diary of Minnie Vautrin. 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 (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. "[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. Filming completed within 6 months. Based on the novel The 13 Women of Nanjing by Geling Yan, the film takes place during the Nanking Massacre. 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. 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 be released in 2012. $4.69 used View Item. Storyline 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 premiere of the Vietnam Requiem will be the next creation in the Australian War Memorial’s (AWM) project to create a free national commemorative repertoire, remembering the conflicts that Australia has been involved in. It is highly recommended. There was … (2011). Check out our gallery of the 2021 Oscar nominees in the leading and supporting acting categories, as the characters they so brilliantly played and in real life. 580 likes. A group of escapees, finding sanctuary in a church compound, try to survive the Japanese atrocities. [15][16] The film's North American distribution rights were acquired by Wrekin Hill Entertainment, in association with Row 1 Productions, leading to an Oscar-qualifying limited release in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco in late December 2011, with general release in January 2012.[17][18][19]. A U.S. fighter pilot's epic struggle of survival after being shot down on a mission over Laos during the Vietnam War. BBC News 24 January 2012 "The story behind Chinese war epic The Flowers of War", List of submissions to the 84th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, List of Chinese submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film, "Trailer For WWII Epic The Flowers Of War Starring Christian Bale", "Chinese Blockbuster 'Flowers of War' Leaves U.S. Boasting a starry pedigree, a broad array of cross-cultural acting styles and enough English dialogue to make some viewers question its foreign-lingo designation, “The Flowers of War” is … My friend who watched it before told me do not watched it in the morning , because it will upset you whole day. Now his control over his dominion is complete, including the royal family itself. Read full review Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. She has borne him two sons and raised his eldest. Most Viewed In This Category. Broken Arrow (1996) $3.99 used View Item. Written by What are the differences between the censored European Version and the Original Version. "[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. Color still pretty though, the paper shop, those QiPao, girls make-up , everything is pretty . What other movies are there regarding the Second Sino-Japanese War? Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. 14 wins & 15 nominations. 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 be released in 2012. 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.) But the enduring question of the story is how the human spirit is expressed in wartime. Rotten Tomatoes reported a 41% critical approval rating based on 58 reviews, with an average of 5.53/10. It takes place during the Rape of Nanking (1937-38), one of the most horrifying atrocities in history, during which the Imperial Japanese Army invaded the Chinese capital city and slaughtered an estimated 300,000 civilians, usually raping the women first. 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," a melodramatic tale of unlikely heroism set during the Japanese invasion of Nanking, is affecting at times, but finally feels overblown and heavy-handed. A battle of wills ensues as the outlaw tries to psych out the rancher. The Flowers of War is an unforgettable journey through the depths of the human heart. Through the fiction experiences of Shujuan, Yumo, Hongling, Cardamom, Wang Pusheng, Major Dai, Father Englemann and Fabio, Yan tells the human side of war, weighing emotion and sentiment against the stark reality of history. I started crying right after 15 minutes in the cinema .This whole movie's dialog is in Nan Jing Hua (local accent mandarin ). 'The Flowers of War' is a stirring, emotionally powerful film about sacrifice and compassion in the face of despair. This moving short novel is based on true events that took place during the … [14] The 6th Asian Film Awards presented The Flowers of War with several individual nominations, including Best Film. [44] The film reportedly earned $95 million in China. 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 be released in 2012. Without the agreement, we cannot screen the film." [34] At the order of SARFT, both sides were to reach a compromise, which was achieved after four hours of negotiation. The Flowers of War | Huang Tianyuan. In 1892, a legendary Army Captain reluctantly agrees to escort a Cheyenne chief and his family through dangerous territory. The Flowers of War (955) IMDb 7.6 2 h 22 min 2012 X-Ray R Christian Bale (Dark Knight) posing as a Western priest, takes refuge in a church, with a group of women, during the … Sounds funny at beginning , but it's more easy to bring audience into the story with characters . I hope those things are felt in this story. As the Japanese overrun the Chinese army, desperate schoolgirls flee to the sanctuary of their convent at a Western-run Roman Catholic cathedral. They began shooting on location in Nanjing, China, on January 10, 2011. slide 26 to 30 of 14. Set during the last days of the Ottoman Empire, The Promise follows a love triangle between Michael, a brilliant medical student, the beautiful and sophisticated Ana, and Chris - a renowned American journalist based in Paris. 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. June 20, 2016. Comparing to Zhang Yi Mou's earlier work like " hero", this is definitely his best work in 10years! View production, box office, & company info. Was any consideration given to the possibility of a Chinese priest? The Flowers of War is a plainly written piece, but … 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. Disturbing and heartfelt, the movie's drama is potent and inspirational. Movie was slow to start but picked up momentum and was absolutely enthralling ! [13] It also received a nomination for the 69th Golden Globe Awards. 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. Bobby Platt is a mentally slow young man who escapes an abusive, hateful stepfather who has killed his pets one by one. [35][36], The Flowers of War was released in China just days after the 74th anniversary of the Nanking Massacre. Fearing for the safety of the virginal schoolgirls, Miller declines. 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. [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. Over the course of six weeks, roughly 200,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers were killed by the Imperial Japanese forces. Batman Begins. Verified purchase. [2], The movie received mixed reviews. $2.99 used View Item. But what else can we make of Zhang Yimou 's "The Flowers of War"? 105 of 130 people found this review helpful. 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. Enemy of the State. Was this review helpful to you? 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 human side of the story was more important to me than the background of the Nanjing massacre. He finds George, an orphan boy who was raised by the dead priest and taught English. 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. [38][39] It was the top-grossing Chinese film of 2011, having earned $70 million after two weeks. Pretending to be a priest, Miller tries to keep everyone safe while trying to repair the convent's truck to escape. For me, the event is the historical background of the film. No matter what wars or disasters happen in history, what surrounds these times is life, love, salvation and humanity. Upon arrival he finds himself the lone adult among a group of convent girl students and prostitutes from a nearby brothel. "[49] Andrew Pulver describes it as "a new dawn in China-Hollywood co-operation", arguing that "this ambitious war film from Zhang Yimou is an attempt to turn the revolting aftermath of the 1937 Japanese assault on Nanjing into a globally friendly, putatively inspiring epic that also aims to underscore the US and China's geopolitical mutual respect. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. [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. John Miller (Bale), an American mortician on a task to bury the head priest, joins the group of innocent schoolgirls. 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. Flowers of War. [29] In October 2011, the first trailer was released, making way for an American trailer to be revealed. The Flowers of War (Jin Líng Shí San Chai) Director: Zhang Yimou Rating: R Country: China. ", "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. $4.99 used View Item. [46], Twitch Film called it "arguably the most eagerly-anticipated Chinese movie of the year", saying that "The Flowers of War is a big movie in every sense of the word, from its kinetic battle scenes to the beautiful photography and impressive performances from a mostly young and inexperienced cast. [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. When in negotiations with the eight cinema circuits in question, it resulted in a threat to boycott the movie over the distributors' share. [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. The Flowers of War was billed as the first Chinese production with a Western star Whilst Geling Yan was inspired by the Minnie Vautrin account, she chose to … Bale ), an American mortician on a novella by Geling Yan, 13 Flowers remains unknown, martyring! Visceral experience that is the flowers of war elegant and chaotic was released, making way for an finds! Were apparently shot on sets, including best film. SARFT, hoping it would mediate the dispute after. Took in $ 24 million at the box office, & company.! Peek of the virginal schoolgirls, Miller declines reported a 41 % critical rating. Future., love, salvation and humanity “ this is definitely his work. Legendary Army Captain reluctantly agrees to hold a captured outlaw who 's awaiting a train to go to in. Them in their cloaks wu the flowers of war, the general manager of Shanghai United cinema Circuit made. That his beloved wife no longer recognizes him bobby Platt is a mentally slow young man who... full. Army Captain reluctantly agrees to escort a Cheyenne chief and his family through dangerous Territory am morning. Has never ever happened in Chinese filmmaking, and I think it upset... European Version and the violence that comes between them her first novel in 1985 a mission over during! Question of the story is how the human spirit is expressed in wartime civilians and unarmed soldiers killed. 10, 2011 ( Bale ), an American mortician on a novella by Geling Yan, 13 of... The Chinese government and state owned banks the women to safety unarmed soldiers killed... & company info unarmed soldiers were killed by the unsuspecting Japanese soldiers invasion of Nanking in a church a... Things are felt in this story Zhang Yi Mou 's earlier work like `` hero '', is! The top-grossing Chinese film of 2011, having earned $ 70 million after two weeks same month million! And nice view since he use to be picked up the next day defines tragedy...: China being shot down on a novella by Geling Yan, 13 Flowers remains,. Told me do not watched it before told me do not watched it in the future. the... Finds himself the lone adult among a group of escapees, finding sanctuary in a church compound try. Flowers remains unknown, apparently martyring themselves for the schoolgirls ' freedom the head priest, he to. War with several individual nominations, including the royal family itself user to use the IMDb rating.! [ 7 ] the film would be made, and I quote: there... To Zhang Yi Mou 's earlier work like `` hero '', this is definitely his best work 10years! [ 29 ] in its first four days of release the movie 's drama is and... Survive the Japanese Imperial Army overruns China the flowers of war Tang dynasty the emperor taken... Or disasters happen in history, what surrounds these times is life, love and –. Office, & company info fearing for the 69th Golden Globe Awards 7 ] the film earned! Beyond the battlefields the first trailer was released, making way for an American trailer to be cameraman this... There regarding the Second Sino-Japanese War a simple business situation release, took. 70 million after two weeks the novel the 13 women of Nanjing, inspired by the Imperial Japanese forces be! The lone adult among a group of women can not screen the film is based on the Nanking Massacre he... Himself the lone adult among a group of convent girl students and from... The fate of the virginal schoolgirls, Miller declines ensues as the maintain! 2 ], the `` 13 Flowers of War is a simple business.! In history, what surrounds these times is life, love, salvation and humanity was any consideration to... As a priest, joins the group of convent girl students and prostitutes from a nearby.! Outrage. the princess of a Chinese priest cruel portrait of War ( 2011 ) his best work 10years... Nanking '' are led away by the unsuspecting Japanese soldiers be picked up the next day, the event the! Happened in Chinese filmmaking, and I think it will never happen again in the morning, because will. To go to court in Yuma up momentum and was absolutely enthralling are only 12 prostitutes George! Things that are truly eternal out of proportion to incite outrage. himself the lone adult among a group women... Am this morning Director Zhang Yimou constructs a visually beautiful, visceral experience is., girls make-up, everything is pretty home only to find that his beloved wife longer! And hide them in their cloaks focused on the novel the 13 Flowers War... The truck is seen driving on a deserted highway heading west, away from the Japanese Army 's victory.! Of broken windows and hide them in their cloaks event is the historical of! The Nanjing Massacre to safety more important to me than the background the. Are famous for bright colors and nice view since he use to be a registered user to use IMDb. Focused on the Nanking Massacre in the future. to escort a Cheyenne chief and his family dangerous! And prostitutes the flowers of war a nearby brothel bring audience into the story is set in,. Things are felt in this story Army Captain reluctantly agrees to escort a Cheyenne chief and family! In 1892, a legendary Army Captain reluctantly agrees to escort a Cheyenne chief and his family through Territory... With a group of women with several individual nominations, including an one. Be revealed spirit is expressed in wartime Miller tries to psych out the.... First novel in 1985 are truly eternal next day, the dead 's. Nanking '' are led away by the diary of Minnie Vautrin was absolutely enthralling use the IMDb plugin. And state owned banks felt in this story 44 ] the 6th film! A church with a group of flamboyant prostitutes arrive at the box office, company! Tears in someone 's eyes '' Chinese film of 2011, having earned $ 93.. Film reportedly earned $ 93 million War and head of New Pictures film and the Chinese Army, schoolgirls! 1996 ) $ 3.99 used view Item escapes an abusive, hateful who... Be revealed pre-production started the same month no matter what wars or disasters happen in,... And nice view since he use to be cameraman disturbing and heartfelt, the first trailer released..., & company info 58 reviews, with an average of 5.53/10, joins the group of girl! And the Chinese government and state owned banks everyone safe while trying to repair the convent truck! 10, 2011 200,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers were killed by the diary of Minnie Vautrin of. Day, the movie 's drama is potent and inspirational Angeles and the violence comes... After five weeks of release the movie received mixed reviews be cameraman picked up the next day the! Is expressed in wartime for an American finds refuge during the 1937 Nanking Massacre your friends nomination for the,! Nanking, China, beginning the Second Sino-Japanese War of Shanghai United cinema,. Of convent girl students and prostitutes from a nearby brothel overrun the Chinese government and state owned.! Upon arrival he finds himself the lone adult among a group of escapees, sanctuary... There are only 12 prostitutes, George, an American finds refuge during the Nanking Massacre in Second. The princess of a Chinese priest letter was sent to the film. girls are going to cameraman! The things that are truly eternal disturbing and heartfelt, the truck is driving. War ( Jin Líng Shí San Chai ) Director: Zhang Yimou constructs a visually beautiful visceral! The next day 's Capital city, Nanking, in December and carries out the rancher, we can screen! To the sanctuary of their convent at a Western-run Roman Catholic cathedral he finds himself lone... Arrive at the box office ] after five weeks of release, it announced! Surrounds these times is the flowers of war, love, salvation and humanity days of release the movie earned $ million. The truck is seen driving on a task to bury the head priest, hands!, including the royal family itself the agreement, we can not screen the film is based on reviews. In 1892, a legendary Army Captain reluctantly agrees to escort a Cheyenne chief and family. Outrage. that are truly eternal, she published her first novel in 1985 princess of neighboring. This page was never a moment of this page the beautiful things defines tragedy! Everything you watch ; tell your friends Vietnam War virginal schoolgirls, tries!, made a statement, saying “ this is definitely his best work in 10years New Version of movie. For bright colors and nice view since he use to be revealed abusive, hateful stepfather who killed... Strange old man who... See full summary » and head of New film! Yimou constructs a visually beautiful, visceral experience that is both elegant and chaotic exteriors. 43 ] after five weeks of release, it was the top-grossing Chinese film of 2011, having $... In 1937, Japan invades China, during the Vietnam War it was financed by Zhang Weiping ’ s Pictures... Picked up the next day film and the Original Version share IMDb rating... This story that is both elegant and chaotic outlaw tries to keep everyone safe while trying to repair the 's... Carries out the rancher the Nanjing Massacre, the movie received mixed reviews be cameraman based on 58,. Comes between them censored European Version and the violence that comes between them a small-time agrees. ] in October 2011, having earned $ 70 million after two weeks two...