Prepare for streaming eyes at the end

Rating: 8/10 (22 June 2018)

... 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.