The Flowers of War

A scene from The Flowers of War. [Photo/Mtime]

The Flowers of War is a 2011 Chinese historical drama war film directed by Zhang Yimou. The film is based on a novella by Geling Yan, 13 Flowers of Nanjing. The story is set in NanJing, China, during the 1937 Nanking Massacre in the Chinese People's War against Japanese Aggression. A group of escapees, finding sanctuary in a church compound, try to survive the plight and persecution brought on by the violent invasion of the city.

Meantime, an American mortician, John Miller arrives at the church to prepare a priest for burial. Upon arrival he finds himself the lone adult among a group of convent girl students and prostitutes from a nearby brothel. When he finds himself in the unwanted position of protector of both groups from the horrors of the invading Japanese army, he discovers the meaning of sacrifice and honor.

The film was selected as the Chinese entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards in 2012, and received a nomination for the 69th Golden Globe Awards in 2011.