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'Flowers of War': A dark fairy tale - China.org.cn
Delicately crafted and artistically produced, "The Flowers of War" ends up being an entertaining but somewhat unconvincing story. The film's look into the unspeakable acts at Nanjing will surely arouse deep emotions among viewers. But the true history of the massacre is even thicker, darker and more desperate that what will appear on the silver screen. Nonetheless, this film, with its depth, beauty and agony, could probably be Zhang's most successful blockbuster film in the past decade.
THE FLOWERS OF WAR Review
In the end I am left conflicted by THE FLOWERS OF WAR. On the one hand it is an impressively staged war drama and a frequently exhilarating experience, from which I honestly feel many viewers can get quite a lot. On the other hand, it is a blinkered, unbalanced and frustrating portrayal of the Japanese that makes no attempt to explain, question or even understand their behaviour. Because of the film's narrow perspective on this particularly troubling chapter of history, it is very difficult to recommend, despite its many strengths. What can be said with some certainty is that THE FLOWERS OF WAR will reach a wider audience than many of China's other recent militaristic dramas, but it is unlikely to win the Chinese Film Industry many more supporters in the long run.
Cant wait for this to come on DVD....will make for a very awkward evening with the wife. On that same note-would have loved to see Clint Eastwood direct this. Seems tailer made for his style.
If I dont get a chance to say it later....Happy New Years all.
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