The Flowers of War
July 2012
2
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Synopsis
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Reviews
4.6
101 total
5 76
4 16
3 7
2 2
1 0
Trevor Johnston
Zhang's flamboyant camera choreography and diva-ish flounces of melodrama are vivid but misplaced.
Richard Nilsen
"The Flowers of War" seems like a pretty good film until you begin to think about it.
Liam Lacey
An unsettling mixture of spectacular brutality and sentimentality that might make even Steven Spielberg blush.
Greg Quill
The director's grip on the drama is often weakened by his penchant for creating spectacles.
Wesley Morris
All Zhang's splendor does is foster cognitive dissonance in an audience.
Gary Thompson
A strange hybrid of "City of Life and Death" and "Father Goose" that nevertheless, in the hands of Zhang Yimou, musters a few striking moments.
Critic reviews
Trevor Johnston
Zhang's flamboyant camera choreography and diva-ish flounces of melodrama are vivid but misplaced.
Richard Nilsen
"The Flowers of War" seems like a pretty good film until you begin to think about it.
Liam Lacey
An unsettling mixture of spectacular brutality and sentimentality that might make even Steven Spielberg blush.
Greg Quill
The director's grip on the drama is often weakened by his penchant for creating spectacles.
Gary Thompson
A strange hybrid of "City of Life and Death" and "Father Goose" that nevertheless, in the hands of Zhang Yimou, musters a few striking moments.
Roger Ebert
A third of a million may be dead, but for our purposes, all depends on the survival of these young women, and the redemption of the alcoholic American. Do you get my drift?
User reviews

Very deep It focuses on conflicts about WWII that most Americans do not know about. It's a true rush of action and it will bring you to tears no matter who you are in this world. What would bring you more into tears is the knowledge the true story was even worse than this Hollywood mock up. Bale is hard to take at first but his transformation is glorious. Buy it, keep it, and love it.
Very sad, but very inspirational Themes of bravery, sacrifice, and compassion. Very sad, with some violence that was difficult to watch. This movie hit me on an emotional level and made me look into myself to see what I'm made of. This is easily one of the best movies I've seen in years.
Awesome movie Awesome movie....this movie reminds us of good that exists in all human beings and amazing display of courage / goodness displayed under the worst circumstances.... I will definitely have to read the book now... Ni Ni is beautiful...sensual...amazing...Overall good movie that reminds us good bad ugly side of war...
Great Movie!!! very real, touching, and moving. I completely agree that the rape scenes are graphic however I'm not too into war movies but this one I will recommend to everyone. Gonna buy this movie and add it to my collection asap.
Scary untold truth of the Japanese occupation of Nanjing Incredible story. It's very much on the dark side. So if things like rape, torture, death scare you, then I would avoid watching this movie. Overall, I enjoyed the movie a lot. Christian bale really did an outstanding job in this movie.
Love life Great movie, makes you appreciate life and feel blessed with our life today.
Flowers of War Pleasantly surprised. Beautifully done... And the easiest foreign film To watch and read subtitles at the same time because there is enough english to not make it tedious at times like some foreign films, as great as they may be, tend to be. Never heard of it until I rented it and watched it 3 * which I never do. I think it's a must see for all men and women alike. Some of the rape scenes may be a little too much for kids under 17.
Based on true accounts... This war drama takes place during the Japanese invasion of China in 1937. Christian Bale delivers another impressive performance and the cinematography is exceptional. I would recommend Iris Chang's book, 'The Rape of Nanking' if you want to know the true historical account.
Flowers of war!excellent I rate this up there with john q,man on fire and enemy at the gate.Amazing
Amazing One of the few movies that has actually made me genuinely cry. Very well done.
Excellent A fantastic movie, well done!! It is a must watched movie and I can't wait till I add it to my collection. Drop everything you are doing and watch this movie !!!!!
Worth Seeing Great cinematography. I have not seen war scenes shot and edited so well since Saving Private Ryan.
Acting at its best One of the movies that don't allow you to do anything mesmerizing, real and beautiful watch in HD to enjoy full
Great movie Great movie. Wish you did not have to read the screen. Would watch again.
Cast and credits
Actors | Christian Bale, Ni Ni |
Producers | Zhang Weiping |
Director | Zhang Yimou |
Writers | Liu Heng, Yan Geling |
Additional information
Rotten tomatoes® score
Audio language
Subtitles
English
Rental period
Start within 30 days, finish within 48 hours.
Run time
142 minutes
Rating
R
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