British journalist George Hogg (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) sneaks
across enemy lines in 1937 China to expose what the Japanese are doing to the locals in Najing. Instead he ends
up being captured after being caught with the photos he's taken. He is rescued by communist resistance leader Chen after
George is about to be beheaded by a samurai sword. he is taken to the orphanage of Huang Shi where he learns to teach
the orphaned children to live as he falls for an Australian nurse, Lee (Rhada Mitchell). He has local dealings with
Madam Wang (Michelle Yoeh) while knowing the Japanese and the Chinese Nationalist army (that who see the kids as future soldiers)
could spell danger for his children. George must make daring decisions if he is to save the children.
THE CHILDREN
OF HUANG SHI is based on a the true story fo George Hogg. It is a moving story with breathtaking Chinese landscapes
and a film that blends East with West. It is a human film that blends the joy and tragedies of George's life.
It is mixed with happiness and sadness. George didn't want to take on the children, but he felt he needed to help
them. George didn't want to be a hero, but he did by taking the children on a journey on the Silk Road that has been traveled by Marco Polo centuries ago. Meyers breathes life and humanity into
George while Mitchell shows how weary Lee is (as she looks for something to believe and live for). The characters all
make hard decisions. Chen aka Jack used to be romantically involved with Lee and Madam Wang likes George more than he
knows. Plus the music score sweeps you more into the film's world and emotion.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
The original
theatrical trailer and previews are included on the disc. THE CHALLENGE OF HAUNG SHI is a brief 11 minute making of
featurette that is better than many featurettes of that length. I wish there was a featurette that looked more into
the real lives of the characters in this film.
FINAL ANALYSIS:
THE CHILDREN OF HUANG SHI is a sweeping and moving film. It's one of the best I have seen this year.
this DVD review
is (c)7-3-2009 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission.
send all comments to lord_pragmagtic@hotmail.com
