US film critics praise The Flowers of War

Chinese movie well received for its portrayal of the Rape of Nanjing

NEW YORK - The Flowers of War, a Chinese historical drama directed by Zhang Yimou starring Hollywood star Christian Bale, opened in 13 US cities, including New York and Los Angeles, on Jan 20.

Though the film isn't expected to be the box office hit it has been in China, critics have applauded the film's effort in bringing the Rape of Nanjing to American audiences unfamiliar with it.