... 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.

Are you kidding me? 7/10 or whatever the popular vote was? This is a classic. 10/10. If you liked "Empire of the Sun," one of Christian Bale's earliest film roles, or "The Pianist," and/or have an affinity for real human tragedy and depths of compassion and integrity that can blossom from the lowest of human intentions - then please, watch this! For American viewers, this film offers the opportunity to step into the shoes of others who have suffered in war and at the hand of foreign invaders. Great job Christian Bale and the many Chinese actors and actresses who made this film believable!

I found the Christian Bale (one of my preferred actors) character role script a bit too stupid and out of place, as is as I found the soldier who revenge, Rambo style, the first Japanese incursion in the church really fun but unbelievable, even more in his last attempt.Don't get me wrong the movie tells a nice story about heroism where you least expect it, where least you can expect integrity and strong, but it really didn't engage me, because forced and flat. The movie tries to move and make you reflect, but it is really too simplistic. I mean, despite the fact that I am a person who is easily moved, this movie let me oddly imperturbable. The only chill on my back was in the final image that encompasses the, already understood, meaning.A couple scenes and message apart, it is a nice try, but some bad choices made of it not really a must-see movie. I can't say it is bad, just it is not really a masterpiece as it want and try to be.6/10

A very heart rending story about a small group of teenage girl students of a Catholic school and an equal number of prostitutes from Nanking's red light area. Along with a American mortician who starts off to be selfish and money driven but slowly evolves to a guardian angel and devices way to protect the innocence and life of the teenage students. Also touching is the supreme sacrifice made by the prostitutes to safeguard the students which had initially started out as a relation of hatred. The story explores the human behavior and unlikely sacrifices made under the conditions of war. Watching the movie based on subtitles may be a bit of cumbersome but the storyline is worth it.