In Theaters: The Children of Huang Shi
May 23, 2008 - Film Reviews
This is one of those films that could have been held for release until awards season in the late fall. It would have made a legitimate impact and been considered for numerous kudos — it’s that good. The Children of Huang Shi is based on a true story about Japanese occupied China in the late 1930’s. George Hogg, (winningly played by The Tudors‘ Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is a British journalist with more courage than sense who sneaks so deep into China he can’t get out. He is taken under the wing of a Chinese rebel leader (Chow Yun Fat), who deposits him in an all boys orphanage to hide, recover from nasty wounds, and, of course, be an authority figure for the boys. Not only does he win their trust and respect, but he takes them on a 600 mile trek through the mountains to safety and wins the heart of a mysterious nurse played by Radha Mitchell along the way. Don’t mistake this for a warm and fuzzy family film. It’s full of violence, tragedy, poverty, drugs and death. But director Roger Spottiswoode has filmed in an epic fashion that profoundly moves you, and helps you realize that the two hours you spend with Huang Shi are two hours tremendously well spent. Rated R
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