(Flash Review)A Christian woman is being called to travel to China, this being the 50's, to work at a mission. Unable to get there through proper channels as she is unqualified and undereducated, she pays her own way and journeys there herself by rail, boat, rickshaw, etc… Upon her arrival to an isolated Chinese village, she must learn the language, the customs and win acceptance by the locals. While there, the main director of the inn passes away so she must take control of it while also working as a foot inspector (unbinding girls feet when found bound tight) as her social duties. That among resolving village problems and making friends with the local military captain win her acceptance among the people. This will serve her well when war finds their isolated village. What brave and gritty heroics will she take on during tumultuous times? Overall, this is a nice foreign period piece with the famous Bergman carrying the film. Some great rural Chinese scenes and views help bring this cinematic voyage along.

Fairly good transfer from book to screen. Ms. Bergman brings vitality to the portrayal, if not a bit showier than I would expect Ms. Aylward to have been. I suppose there's more interest in that posture than accomplishing in a more self-effacing manner. While Ms. Aylward developed strength and leadership ability, I can't see her being so much the center of attention. One of her gifts was the ability to promote others and involve them in her vision. There needn't be a disturbance about a close bond forming with a man. That does not translate to an affair. The usual film embellishment is likely responsible for the angst and denial. However, the fact is true to the book. Yet, Ms. Aylward was able to have a close relationship with a man without moral compromise. Her dedication to her life calling was kept in priority when the circumstances of the time made a personal alliance impractical. I understand from reports that Ms. Aylward was embarrassed by the handling of the "love interest." This is an overall honoring account of a missionary figure. A true giver and lover of people is never a boring subject. Besides, it is inherent that missionaries have adventures. David Livingston is one case in point. There is a treasure trove of other fascinating stories out there, should they be mined and shared.I don't share the idolization of the actress over the substantial person who is the subject of the film. That would be choosing shadow over substance. No comparison. Bergman had an acting gift; Ms. Aylward had a gift of life, which she generously bestowed.

In the 30's, the working-class Englishwoman Gladys Aylward (Ingrid Bergman) leaves Liverpool and arrives in London, trying to join the China Missionary Society expecting to be sent to China. However, having only ordinary schooling, her request is turned down due to her lack of qualification to the position. Gladys works hard as a maid and uses all her savings and salaries to buy a train ticket to Tientsin. Then she travels by mule to the remote province of Wangcheng, where she works with the Englishwoman Jeannie Lawson (Athene Seyler) and the Chinese cook Yang (Peter Chong) in the Inn of the Sixth Happiness. When Ms. Lawson has an accident and dies, Gladys has no money to run the establishment and accepts the position of "foot inspector" offered by the Mandarin Hsien Chang (Robert Donat). She is assigned to visit the countryside to promote and enforce the government's law against foot binding Chinese girls. She is successful, changes her nationality to Chinese and her name to Jen-ai (meaning "the one who loves people"), surprising the skeptical bi-racial Captain Lin Nan (Curt Jurgens). When Wangcheng is invaded by the Japanese, Jen-ai travels through the mountains with one hundred children to save them from death."The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" is a wonderful and engaging epic based on the true story of the enlightened Gladys Aylward. Her biography romanticized by Hollywood is awesome, and the movie is fantastic. Ingrid Bergman is stunning in the role of a servant in a period of class struggle in London determined to go to China where she believes she belongs and has a mission from God to be accomplished. The colors and the landscapes are impressive, but the cast of Ingrid Bergman as a woman not gorgeous; Curt Jurgens as a Chinese-Caucasian; and Robert Donat as a Chinese is weird, but they have perfect performances and I believe that is what matters in a film. My vote is nine.Title (Brazil): "A Morada da Sexta Felicidade" ("The Inn of the Sixth Happiness")

I had seen this movie about a year ago in my World History Class and i have to say it is a great movie that is rarely seen nowadays. The characters are believable and the story is very well done. I would recommend seeing this if you ever get the chance. Just having to watch the main character struggle in a new society, with new challenges, ideals is simply an amazing point of view not common in any movie produced now. Once again I would strongly urge that you find a copy of this movie for your viewing pleasure you will not be disappointed by any aspect contained within. Nothing in this movie has any obscene shock value and is a great family movie