Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??

A Disappointing Continuation

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

... but hopefully also inspired by what you have seen. I am definitely not a Christian Bale fan, as I dislike most of his characterisations, but he can rise to the heights sometimes (as in "The Big Short"). Here he starts out in typical American capitalist mode, seeking to take advantage from the situation he finds himself in. But war has an interesting effect on people. It tends to bring out the best and worst in us. And although we see plenty of the worst, mainly from the Japanese invaders, this film is mainly about the best, often deriving from unlikely sources. The pivot is a group of terrified young girls at a Nanking religious school who have been left (by the death of the priest) under the care of an equally young and scared orphan boy who takes his responsibility extremely seriously (a wonderful performance by Kefan Cao). They are joined by a group of young prostitutes from a local brothel who suspect what their fate will be if the Japanese find them (borne out later when 2 girls unwisely return to the brothel to pick up a couple of items). There is a standout performance from their leading figure (played by Ni Ni), who understandably captivates the Christian Bale character. I won't spoil it by giving more details, but the desire to save the children leads everyone to risk their lives, in the knowledge that if they die they will do so with dignity and in a good cause. PS: the fact that a German nazi party member (John Rabe) became a Chinese hero through his efforts to prevent Japanese attrocities in China tells you just how bad it got and the time is really long overdue for Japan to follow the German path to redemption by recognising the horrors committed, seeking forgiveness and ceasing to pay homage to the leaders who led them down that awful path. There is no honour in refusing to admit that one's compatriots can be monsters too and such a stance is totally incompatible with Japan's civilized attitude in so many other areas. Indeed it is the one obstacle preventing worldwide admiration of the Japanese for the qualities they possess.

History or inspired by events can be more than imagination or art. This is one such story, in the telling; ask .."Why War?!" Ever! Never! The English word for this film is two-edged: Tragedy / Redemption / Pathos ... and * brilliance * Are they three(?), of course -- Because it is just ONE thing. They "label" you apply, is such and such of your own experience.A friend of mine, discovered around the time she was the same age as these school girls in this film, that her mother needed to escape China; and had been Forced to leave two half-sisters that my friend never, ever knew.I believe my friend learned this from an aunt or cousin but never found the right time to broach the subject with her mother (now passed-on).No one says things -- BUT -- This experience is Too Common by far(!); I've heard tell from Polish, Norweigens, and even Germans & Italians (yes! Even!), Chinese, Korean, Malays, Philipines ... A HUMAN Story.Today we have Daesh!"When will we ever learn" ~ Peter, Paul and Mary

So far I have never wrote a review on any film that I have seen in my life. This film however is a wee bit different. This film really touched me and I did not look away from the screen for even a second. I can recommend everyone to watch this film that is even remotely interested in history. I will keep this particular review short only because there is plenty to read and I can only say: watch this film.This is a real masterpiece.

I saw this movie whilst I was living in Uganda, a mate and I got it out because we saw Christian Bale in it. We sat down to watch it after a few drinks and a game of Rugby, yet we ended up almost in tears, and we were working in slums! We both looked at each other and said, "That is in my top 3 movies of all time." My mate is a photographer and he said the cinematography rivals that of Empire of the Sun, I loved the changing, yet simple, message throughout the movie, and I recommend it for anyone who is willing to be involved in a movie for a while. Because of the story and the sub-titles it isn't a movie to relax to, but one that you must watch with a degree of investment. Definitely want to grab the book and read it now.