The Flowers of War 2011

John Miller Arrives in Nanjing

American mortician John Miller arrives in Nanjing with a solemn purpose to bury the foreign head priest of a Catholic girls' convent. This event occurs shortly after the devastating bombing of the city, highlighting the chaos engulfing the area.

Prostitutes Seek Refuge

A group of flamboyant prostitutes discovers the convent as a safe haven from the Japanese forces invading the city. They find sanctuary in the convent, believing foreign entities like themselves are spared from the marauding soldiers.

Miller Faces a Moral Dilemma

As the prostitutes settle in the cellar, Miller grapples with a moral dilemma concerning the safety of the convent’s teenage schoolgirls. He realizes he must take action to protect them in the face of imminent threat.

Assuming the Role of Priest

When Japanese soldiers arrive at the convent searching for girls to exploit, Miller decides to disguise himself as the convent's priest. This decision is pivotal as it allows him to create a facade of protection over the vulnerable girls.

Repairing the Truck for Escape

Miller, with the help of local collaborator Mr. Meng, begins repairing the convent’s truck in hopes of creating an escape route for the girls. This act underscores his determination to safeguard the schoolgirls amid the conflict.

Japanese Colonel Enters

A Japanese Colonel named Hasegawa arrives and assures Miller that sentinels will protect the convent. However, this promised safety is swiftly undermined by Hasegawa's demands and the underlying tension of the situation.

Choral Performance Ordered

Hasegawa insists that the girls perform a choral piece as a display for him. Following their performance, he extends an invitation for them to partake in a Japanese Army victory celebration, further escalating the danger they face.

Miller Refuses the Invitation

Worried for the safety of the girls, Miller vehemently refuses Hasegawa's invitation. The Colonel, however, interprets this refusal not as a choice but as defiance, insisting the girls will be taken the next day.

Prostitutes Plan to Protect the Girls

In a twist of events, a prostitute is inadvertently counted with the girls, bringing their total to thirteen. Inspired by their leader Yu Mo, the prostitutes rally together to intervene and shield the schoolgirls from the Japanese soldiers.

Miller Aids in the Disguise

Despite his initial hesitation, Miller uses his skills as a mortician to help the prostitutes disguise themselves. This collaborative effort emphasizes the unity between the vulnerable groups in their fight for survival.

The Thirteen Begin Their Escape

As the following day arrives, the thirteen, including the disguised prostitutes, are unknowingly escorted by Japanese soldiers. Meanwhile, Miller cleverly hides the convent girls in the truck he has repaired, maintaining the ruse.

Driving Towards Safety

Utilizing a special permit secured by Mr. Meng, Miller drives away from the besieged town. This act of escape symbolizes a hard-fought victory against the overwhelming threat of the Japanese forces.