The Flowers of War

China's most expensive movie, and entry into the Oscars, is set during the Rape of Nanking, when the Japanese overran and slaughtered 300 000 Chinese, generally raping the women first. The story focuses on an American undertaker who seeks refuge in a cathedral, where he finds a group of schoolgirls. Not long after, a group of prostitutes sneak in, and hide in the basement. The local Japanese commander is impressed by the school girls' singing, and invites them to come and sing for all the officers. The girls realise this will be a one-way trip, and desperately try to find a way out of their predicament. In English, Mandarin, Japanese, and Shanghainese with English subtitles where necessary.

146 minutes.
No persons under 18 (Language, Violence, Prejudice).
Drama, Period piece, War, On the art circuit

Not currently showing on the local cinema circuit.