The Children of Huang Shi (2008)
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Reviews Counted:72
Fresh:22
Rotten:50
Average Rating:4.6/10
Consensus: This beautifully photographed but dramatically flat war drama recounts an important chapter in history with little cinematic freshness.
Theatrical Release:May 23, 2008 Limited
Box Office: $652,604
Synopsis: Based on real events, The Children of Huang Shi is a story set against war-torn China in the 1930’s. The film centers on a young English journalist (JONATHAN RHYS MEYERS), an American nurse (RADHA... [More]
Starring: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Radha Mitchell, Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh
Director: Roger Spottiswoode
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Reviews for The Children of Huang Shi
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 2/5 |
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...the film falls flat under the weight of its period-drama conventions and three performances that epitomize paycheck joylessness. Full Review |
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Cynicism for another true story of a reckless white adventurer finding redemption and purpose helping 3rd World unfortunates evaporates with stunning and moving WWII scenes. Full Review |
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B |
It radiates intelligence. Of how many historical epics can that be said these days? Full Review |
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The real test of endurance is on the shoulders of an audience challenged to sit through more than two hours of predictable plot turns and recycled sentimentality. Full Review |
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B- |
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2.5/4 |
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. Full Review |
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2/4 |
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. Full Review |
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2/4 |
Very pretty but very stiffly written, The Children of Huang Shi strives for epic canvases relaying an intimate story. Full Review |
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3/5 |
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. Full Review |
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4/10 |
Nothing in this film is subtle or unexpected, and even the hero's several near-death experiences create no real tension Full Review |
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3/4 |
...an inspiring tale of a man answering a call to greatness even if he doesn't fully understand why it's fallen to him. Full Review |
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3/5 |
Xiaoding Zhao’s cinematography is splendid, Roger Spottiswoode’s direction is workmanlike. Full Review |
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1.5/4 |
Perhaps it would have been wise for the director, Roger Spottiswoode, to make more efficient use of Chow Yun-fat, who shows up now and then as a resistance fighter. Full Review |
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2.5/5 |
It is missing conviction. Full Review |
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3/4 |
Its anti-cynical faith in the value of altruism is encouraging. Full Review |
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2.5/5 |
History is never easy to capture in a fiction film, especially with a war in the background. But you have to at least try to embrace the whole of it, not just tear off a convenient chunk. Real life is inconvenient; great movies still deal with it. Full Review |
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2/4 |
Unfortunately, like so many movies that celebrate a historical hero, Children is plagued by an overblown sense of its own importance. Full Review |
CommentLatest News for The Children of Huang Shi
January 17, 2009:
Breathtaking photography, but Hollywood's view of history as usual, no matter where on the planet, as mere backdrop for the personal lives of glamorous white people. Casablanca meets the white man's burden, and doesn't amount to a hill of beans. 
More...
January 13, 2009:
Breathtaking photography, but Hollywood's view of history as usual, no matter where on the planet, as mere backdrop for the personal lives of glamorous white people. Casablanca meets the white man's burden, and doesn't amount to a hill of beans.
More...
April 21, 2008:
Trailer & Poster review
More...
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