In 1937 the Japanese Imperial Army set its sights on
Nanking, China. The “rape” of Nanking is one of the most brutal atrocities
committed by the Japanese forces as the made their way across the Far East. In
the midst of all the carnage; when everyone was looking out for themselves and
trying to escape the Japanese onslaught; there were few heroes. This film tells
the story of one of those men; an American mercenary, played by Christian Bale;
who has a chance to leave the war ravaged province, but chooses to remain.
While hiding from the Japanese, he comes upon some
schoolgirls who are trying desperately to make it to the Catholic cathedral.
Together they reach the sanctuary, only to discover that the Priest has fled,
leaving his parishioners, and the girls, alone. To complicate matters a group
of prostitutes, or “flower girls”, show up at the church seeking sanctuary.
This is okay with the people inside the church, but infuriates the Japanese,
who then surround the church, laying siege to it.
Posing as the absent Priest; and using every ounce of
courage to obtain food and fuel so that the girls might live, the group is
ultimately faced with a stark choice; only the surrender of the prostitutes to
the Japanese will save the girls. Of course, this means brutal treatment and
most likely death to the flower girls. Recognizing their position, the “flower
girls” come to the only conclusion possible; they sacrifice themselves to the
fate of Japanese captivity, giving the girls their only chance to survive.
Brilliant and sensitive performances; along with realistic
set designs; make this film a stark reminder of war and the choices we are
sometimes forced into making in order to maintain our own humanity. In the face
of overwhelming odds, these are not always easy choices to make.
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