It radiates intelligence. Of how many historical epics can that be said these days?
The Children of Huang Shi
War made them orphans, one man made them legends
2008 · 2h 5m · R
Drama, War
Directed by
Roger Spottiswoode
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The Children of Huang Shi
Overview
About young British journalist, George Hogg, who with the assistance of a courageous Australian nurse, saves a group of orphaned children during the Japanese occupation of China in 1937.
Director and cast
- Roger Spottiswoode Director
- Jonathan Rhys Meyers as George Hogg
- Radha Mitchell as Lee Pearson
- Chow Yun-Fat as Chen Hansheng
- Anastasia Kolpakova as Duschka
- Michelle Yeoh as Mrs. Wang
- Zhou Bo as Second Brother
- Guang Li as Shi-Kai
- Ji Lin as Horse Rider
- Matthew Walker as Andy Fisher
- Takashima Shinichi as Hostile Kempetai Officer
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
It is, however, such a spectacular-looking movie, as shot by cinematographer Zhao Xiaoding that it is, to use that old cliche, worth the price of admission.
Very pretty but very stiffly written, The Children of Huang Shi strives for epic canvases relaying an intimate story.
Though there are some powerful performances, notably those of Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun-Fat, and some sweeping visuals, the movie feels melodramatic and overheated.
If you can get past the Eurocentric focus, there are worse ways to pass the time than to see The Children of Huang Shi, if only because the glimpse into the time and place are captivating and the images are gorgeous.
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