China Cry: A True Story

I wanted this movie to work, but ultimately it doesn't.

Good things about the movie: Abuse-of-power shown via a martial arts sparing match between a communist party heavy and a "citizen." Some of the acting is very good, including the leading lady. Depiction of "underground church" and characters good. Individual scenes typically well-scripted, but...well, I'll address the problem in the next paragraph. The basic premise; that one's affinity to the divine is a delicate thing that can't be explained nor explained away; does come across in the end.

Bad things: Generally, poor narrative, script, and scene organization. Lack of funds to do some of the scenes right (e.g., Japanese "invasion" by one soldier in an empty street pummeling a gate with his rifle butt). General clumsiness in use of voiceover. Motivation for last scene (leading lady walking across a desert expanse to meet her husband) not set up properly; confusing. Some of the character development in the area of abuses by party heavies is hyperbolic, and generally not believable. In general, movies that rely upon the depiction of a litany of atrocities committed by the-powers-that-be tend to be weak. I'm not saying that consciousness raising about these things is bad, it's just a question of the delicate balance you have to maintain in cinema when trying to communicate this. The "litany approach" doesn't cut it.

I conclude by citing this as yet-another example of the ascendency of true artistry over even divinely-inspired good intentions. I'm sorry to see that this continues to haunt "Christian" movies to this day (I'm writing in 2002). Some day these people will quit bellyaching about the Satanic plot that funnels all the money to secular themes and just come up with a compelling story, and get enough money and no-bullstuff talent to finally do the job right. Clue: Review Fellini's early narrative movies; relatively low budget, themes scaled to the human dimension, divine implications.

The acting is great. And Julia Nickson-Sole is convincing as Sung.

As a result of the Japanese invasion of China, a wealthy family is displaced from their home and divested of their servants. The Commie replacement government was not very sympathetic toward this type of family either.

Now we see what is happening in degrees as she phased out of her cushy surroundings. She actually tries to comply with the new environment and approves of it.

Then the government helps her to learn about Christianity by accusing her of going to a Christian school as a child. She tries to explain that she only went to school and that did not make her Christian. The unbending government makes her suffer until in her confusion she turns to Christianity in hopes of a cure for the situation.

Predictably, you will see two different types of ratings. The movie gets generally high marks from believers, despite the valid criticisms from those who are not quite as enthusiastic. Why is that? One reason is the history of Christian film making is different from that of other types of studios. We in the church are used to seeing movies with actors and extras who are (probably unpaid) church members or Bible college students. We do not expect to be knocked out of our seats by a great star or astounding special effects. Not only that, but the thrust is different. Movies are made primarily to get a message out, not to make money. Believers are more interested in the purity of the message than its package.

The purity of the message of "China Cry" makes it a great movie and well worth the time of anyone.

I have seen the movie more than 10 years ago and I haven't forgotten it due to the strong impact it left me. The "superhuman" traits of the main female character has struck me to the very core of my being, not being able to fully comprehend how she has survived all the odds she has faced. It has inspired me personally on my quest to find my true happiness and I am very happy to say that I have. I really am thankful and blessed to have seen the movie.

I recommend it as a movie that will change one's life for the better forever.It will also help you get to know yourself well as you will question one's humanity and understanding of enduring suffering for the sake of love and one's dignity.

From the movie, these words of wisdom have never been so true: If there's a will, there's a way and no pain, no gain, among others.

I saw this movie on TBN, when they were playing it in honor of Nora Lam, of whom this movie is about. I totally agree with the message of this movie, because it gives hope to Christians who feel pressured by society, and it also shows Christians in America, that they should be thankful for the religious freedoms our government allows.