Lovesusti
The Worst Film Ever
Matialth
Good concept, poorly executed.
AnhartLinkin
This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.
LauraLeeWasHere
This movie is based on the book, "The Small Woman" which is the true story of Gladys Alyward who went to China as a missionary. However, Hollywood writers decided to mess with the story a bit and include a love interest in the form of Kurt Jurgen. But in spite of some unnecessary additions and some unnecessary cuts (like a lot of the Christian themes) this story is so fantastic that this is a movie that stands up all these years later. Like they say, "Truth is stranger than fiction". What is worth noting is that it is the final role of Robert Donat (best known for his portrayal and Oscar in "Good-bye, Mister Chips"). The final scene Robert Donat ever acted on screen was when the head of the city wants it put into the city's final records (before it is deserted because of the invading Japanese) that he has become a Christian. Even though this movie might seem to have the ingredients to make it very mushy (a la "The Sound of Music"), it is so based in real life that it is able to sustain the gritty realism that a person would face going to a remote place in China in the years before World War 2 (and indoor plumbing). For young and old; man or woman, this is a film for anyone and everyone. ~~ by Laura-Lee
Furuya Shiro
This is a story of a real English woman (Gladys Aylward) who gave her life for the Chinese people as a missionary with surprisingly strong will.She visited the office of China Inland Mission Center in London only to be refused. On her way to the introduced employer for a housemaid, she stopped by a travel agent and booked a train to China via Siberia. In this way, she always does what she believes she ought to do, upon belief of that God protects and leads her. She shows her sanguine attitude and tireless energy which are typical to God believers. One may doubt if such a woman actually exists, but I remember similar woman. I read an autobiography ("Chasing the Dragon" by Jackie Pulllinger) of another English woman who served as a missionary at the Walled City of Hong Kong. From the memory of my surprise from the book, I could believe that Cladys Aylward actually existed. I think Ingrid Bergman acted this woman very well. However, this movie has many embroideries and dramatizations that are typical to 1950s Hollywood movies. For example, English language dominates the movie in China, and the scene the children are welcomed amid hearty cheers of people of Sian. The most questioned embroidery is that the colonel is given Caucasian blood and made to the lover of Cladys.
edwagreen
Gladys Aylward wants to go to China as a missionary. The problem is that no one feels that she is up to the task. She works very hard to save up money and go to China despite the objections of many. However, she perseveres and makes the long, arduous trip.She meets up with a general, Kurt Jurgens, they gradually will come to realize that they need each other and love shall ensue.As the Chinese Mandarin, Robert Donat, etched an unforgettable character in a brilliant supporting performance. Severely ailing at the time, he checked into the hospital after filming ended, and sadly passed on shortly afterward. Gladys Aylward came to China as a timid lord-fearing woman who knew that the omnipotent had sent her there for a reason. Not only does she become a woman there, she takes on far reaching responsibilities and even in some ways, she reminded me of a Joan of Arc, an Oscar nominated performance that she gave in 1948. Bergman, in a beautifully given performance, comes of age both as a woman and heroine.Ingrid Bergman is the perfect Gladys. You actually feel that she is the real Gladys. Her ability to acculturate is phenomenal.A well-recommended film for lovers, historians and all.
skylinegtr2500
I saw the trailer for this on PBS and at first I thought I be in for a cringe-fest a la Charlie Chan. I've become a fan of many "for us by us" Hong Kong and Asian movies with real actors and actresses, so from these movies, my expectations are a little more refined than those who might see Hero as "that Japanese or Chinese movie." Instead of cringing, I found a thoroughly enjoyable movie with its heart in the right place. Someone commented that Ingrid Bergman was for real this one, and I got that impression as well.I believe the foot-binding practice had been officially banned by the Manchus but the ban had never been really enforced, especially in the more remote areas. The foot-binding scene was really nice. It did not imply "I am western-person, I will save you Chinese from this stupid practice." Very simple, nicely done.
