The Flowers of War [DVD] (2011)

An excellent performance by Christian Bale in a heart rending, emotional and upsetting movie. Whilst it is based on the "Rape of Nanking" the story is more of human decency in the face of adversity rather than focusing on the undoubted horror of this piece of dreadful history.The performances from the Asian actors was very good and despite the sub-titles, in many ways this maintained the realism and did not detract at all from the story which was movingly portrayed. A very good movie that should, I believe, have received far more exposure than it did.

Nanking 1937 and the Japanese are taking over the city with a ferocity that leaves very little of the city and people to tell the tale. Told from the view point of a young student at the Catholic Church school who watches the priest be killed? and has to struggle to survive with the help of an American expat Mortician ( Christian Bale) and a group of ladies of leisure who seek sanctuary in the church. The tale is not one for the feint hearted and selected scenes of violence etc are graphic and leave little to the imagination. Apart from Mr Bale the cast were Asian and subtitles were provided when they spoke in their native tongue. The pity was we did not have sub titles for Mr Bale at the start of the film who was very hard to understand. Interesting film but only one for those who have an interest in the subject matter!

Christian Bale in his usual top-notch performance, but I am biased, heart-rending, passionate distressing especially as it.s based on fact, great ending, the only ending really that did it any justice! A must see, should have received so much more exposure, do not be put off by the sub-titles!!!

OMG!! This is truly one of the most emotional films I have ever seen, from start to finish you will be glued to your tv set, Christian Bale is amazing in his role and makes you ask yourself what would you do if you were in his shoes.An amazing story line well acted and very powerful scenes you will most certainly need your tissues at the ready, from start to finish you will be so moved that this film will stay with you for a long long time absolutely brilliant movie makes you realise how precious life really is!!

An absolute masterpiece from China's greatest film director of modern times. Stunning performances all round, with exquisite use of setting and symbolism throughout. The film does of course make for very hard viewing at times, but never descends into gratuitous violence. The tragedy of Nanking is perfectly mirrored by the tragedy of the characters, all of whom are presented with a respectful depth, from the protagonists through to the Japanese officers themselves. This is not merely a film which should be seen, it is a film which must be seen.

This Film is largely unheard of, I only watched this by hear say. Glad I did as it's one of those films that draws you in and Tugs on your emotions. This film has not been promoted or highlighted enough 👍👍

This is a very strong filme that reminds us that if war can bring out the worst of mankind it will also can bring out the very best making the most unlikely people into true heroes. A beautiful film not to be missed. Pitty english subtitles do not function on english language as sound is sometimes not very good.

This film should have been put forward for an Oscar and is an extrodinary film about real life events that took place in 1937 in Nanking. The acting is and pathos are both tributes to the human spirit both the highs and the deprevations. It is film that shows true human love and sacrifice and does not hold back on telling hard truths about War.