The Flowers of War (2011) Review in 2025
The Flowers of War is a historical drama film set in 1937 China, during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The movie follows a group of people, including a group of schoolgirls and a priest, who take refuge in a cathedral to escape the war. As they wait for the war to pass, they face numerous challenges and moral dilemmas.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to mature themes and graphic content.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for its historical significance and powerful portrayal of the atrocities committed during the war. However, it's not suitable for young children due to mature themes and graphic content.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie takes a dark turn when the Japanese army invades the cathedral, and the characters are forced to make difficult choices to survive. The story is based on a true event, and the film's portrayal of the atrocities committed during the war is both powerful and disturbing.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is well-researched and based on a true event, but it can be slow-paced at times. The film's portrayal of the atrocities committed during the war is both powerful and disturbing.
acting8.00/10
Christian Bale's performance is excellent, but the other actors are not as memorable. The acting is good, but it's not outstanding.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed, but some of them feel like caricatures. Christian Bale's performance is excellent, but the other actors are not as memorable.
direction9.00/10
Zhang Yimou's direction is excellent, and he brings a unique visual style to the film. The cinematography is stunning, and the film's use of color is breathtaking.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, and the film's use of color is breathtaking. The camerawork is excellent, and the film's visuals are memorable.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's portrayal of the atrocities committed during the war is both powerful and disturbing. The cinematography is stunning, and the film's use of color is breathtaking.
Cons
The story can be slow-paced at times, and some of the characters feel like caricatures. Christian Bale's performance is excellent, but the other actors are not as memorable.
Notable Quotes
"The flowers of war are the tears of the innocent."
"The war is a disease, and we are all its victims."
