The Flowers of War (2011)

Introduction
"The Flowers of War", directed by Zhang Yimou and released in 2011, is a gripping movie that graphically portrays the horrendous Nanjing massacre throughout the Sino-Japanese war in 1937. It is an adjustment of Geling Yan's novel "The 13 Women of Nanjing" and stars widely known Hollywood star Christian Bale in addition to Chinese actress Ni Ni.

Plot
The movie tells the story of an American called John Miller, a mortician who takes a trip to a convent-cathedral in Nanjing to prepare a Catholic priest's body for burial. Following the priest's death, the cathedral ends up being a sanctuary for a group of convent schoolgirls, and later, a group of courtesans from a regional whorehouse looking for shelter from the harsh Japanese army.

When the Japanese army attacks the cathedral, Miller actions in, initially reluctantly, impersonating the priest to protect the girls. He is portrayed as a hesitant hero, driven by scenarios instead of a worthy cause. Miller's transformation from a drunk and selfish individual to a protective guardian of the girls forms the foundation of the narrative.

Representation of the Nanjing Massacre
Zhang Yimou's representation of the Nanjing Massacre is unflinchingly graphic and brutal, communicating the horrors of the event. The film showcases remarkable suffering, consisting of rape, murder, and destruction, effectively stirring viewers' emotional actions. Despite its resolution to illustrate the atrocities, "The Flowers of War" doesn't avoid displaying moments of humankind and compassion amidst the cruelty.

Character Development
While the story focuses on Miller, the girls, and the courtesans, the movie particularly highlights the progressing relationship between Miller and among the courtesans, Yu Mo (Ni Ni). Despite their different social statuses, a distinct bond and shared regard establishes between them. Yu Mo's character is portrayed as brave and generous, eventually compromising herself to conserve the schoolgirls from the Japanese soldiers.

Cinematic Style
Zhang Yimou's directorial vision appears in the movie's striking cinematography. The contrast in between the cathedral's tranquil boundaries and the havoc exterior is effectively depicted. The film's remarkable scenes, accompanied by a haunting score and exceptional performances, create a poignant and moving cinematic experience.

Ending and Impact
In the end, Miller and the schoolgirls manage to escape under very dangerous situations while the courtesans remain behind, camouflaged as the schoolgirls, to face the inevitable horrors from the Japanese soldiers. The movie sheds light on the unspeakable brutality of war while at the same time highlighting the resilience and sacrifice of people.

Conclusion
"The Flowers of War" is a deeply moving movie that leaves a lasting impression. Despite its grim theme, the movie manages to depict hope, survival, and the extraordinary lengths to which people go to safeguard the innocent. The performances, particularly Christian Bale's portrayal of the flawed but redeemable Miller, combined with the evocative cinematography and masterful instructions of Zhang Yimou, make this film an extraordinary representation of a dark period in history.

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