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None of the principals are fleshed out in any way that would make us care about them or their plights. The film toys around with the idea of generous character development, though it never seals the deal. It indicates a love triangle between George, Lee and Chen but when the inevitable love story between George and Lee comes to fruition, it is too little, too late.

Michelle Yeoh as Madame Wang

Rhys Meyers does well with the material he is given, but his forthright hero lacks nuance (a common problem for many cinematic heroes, especially those of the historical variety). He slips from ambitious reporter to selfless savior with too much ease. Still, his performance—manly yet paternal—is deeply touching. Watching him cradle the heartbroken boys, tussle their hair and plant affectionate kisses on their foreheads is a beautiful fatherly image.

Radha Mitchell cannot compete. Her performance is consistently just off bubble, the acting equivalent of a bike-ridding child not quite ready for the removal of the training wheels. She can get from point A to point B, but it's not always pretty. Michelle Yeoh, magnificently regal, shows up as the wealthy merchant Madame Wang and makes up for much of Mitchell's inadequacies in a series of all-too-brief appearances.

Bereft of emotion, vibrancy or even much cinematic style, The Children of Huang Shi ends with a series of interviews with the actual boys depicted in the film, now elderly men. Their brief segment, no more than five minutes in length, packs more emotional punch than the two hours that precede it and reveals that a documentary of the events depicted in the film would have been a far more moving and captivating experience than this run-of-the-mill drama.

Talk About It

1. George Hogg comes from a long line of pacifists, yet his experiences in China change his perceptions. Do you agree or disagree with his conclusion? What does Christ say about violence?
2. George transforms from self-serving journalist to selfless caretaker over the course of the film. How does this arc mirror the Christian life?
3. Lee tells George that, "someone needs to make (the boys) care whether they live or die." Why does she phrase it this way? Why not simply tell George that someone needs to make the boys feel loved?

The Family Corner

The Children of Huang Shi is rated R for disturbing and violent content involving wartime atrocities. The film stops just short of nudity during a scene in which Meyers is de-liced. There is a brief scene of lovemaking, involving no nudity. Several characters are shown smoking opium pipes. Language is extremely moderate.

Photos © Copyright Sony Pictures Classics

© Brandon Fibbs subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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