The Flowers of War
A Westerner finds refuge with a group of women in a church during Japan's rape of Nanking in 1937. Posing as a priest, he attempts to lead the women to safety.
Working with a significant budget of $94.0M, the film achieved a respectable showing with $95.3M in global revenue (+1% profit margin).
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Flowers of War (2011) showcases meticulously timed narrative architecture, characteristic of Zhang Yimou's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 26 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes December 1937, Nanking. Japanese forces invade the city as civilians flee in terror. Schoolgirls from a mission convent run through burning streets seeking shelter, establishing the chaos and horror of the Nanking massacre.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 18 minutes when Prostitutes from the Qin Huai River brothel district arrive at the church seeking refuge, led by the courtesan Yu Mo. Their presence creates immediate conflict with the schoolgirls and threatens the sanctuary's safety.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 73 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat Japanese Colonel requests the convent girls perform at a celebration for Japanese officers. The false safety shatters—everyone understands this "invitation" means the girls will be raped and likely killed. Stakes escalate dramatically., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 109 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, George's death devastates the compound. The boy's sacrifice and the certainty that the schoolgirls will be taken in two days creates absolute despair. All hope seems lost; innocence cannot be preserved., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 117 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The prostitutes transform into schoolgirls, saying goodbye to their former selves. Miller orchestrates the deception while planning escape for the real students. The women board the truck with dignity, sacrificing themselves for innocents they once scorned., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Flowers of War's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping The Flowers of War against these established plot points, we can identify how Zhang Yimou utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Flowers of War within the drama genre.
Zhang Yimou's Structural Approach
Among the 11 Zhang Yimou films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.8, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. The Flowers of War takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Zhang Yimou filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For more Zhang Yimou analyses, see The Great Wall, Coming Home and Cliff Walkers.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
December 1937, Nanking. Japanese forces invade the city as civilians flee in terror. Schoolgirls from a mission convent run through burning streets seeking shelter, establishing the chaos and horror of the Nanking massacre.
Theme
Father Inglewood's dying words urge the students to "have faith" and trust in protection. This establishes the theme of sacrifice, redemption, and finding humanity amid atrocity.
Worldbuilding
The church compound becomes a fragile sanctuary. We meet the convent schoolgirls led by Shu, the boy soldier George, and witness the arrival of mortician John Miller, a cynical American only interested in payment and escape.
Disruption
Prostitutes from the Qin Huai River brothel district arrive at the church seeking refuge, led by the courtesan Yu Mo. Their presence creates immediate conflict with the schoolgirls and threatens the sanctuary's safety.
Resistance
Miller resists responsibility, wanting only to gather his payment and leave. The prostitutes hide in the cellar while Japanese soldiers repeatedly threaten the compound. Miller witnesses atrocities and begins questioning his self-interest.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Miller navigates the dangerous masquerade as priest while tensions simmer between schoolgirls and prostitutes. Moments of humanity emerge: the women bond over music, stories are shared, and Miller finds unexpected purpose in protecting them all.
Midpoint
Japanese Colonel requests the convent girls perform at a celebration for Japanese officers. The false safety shatters—everyone understands this "invitation" means the girls will be raped and likely killed. Stakes escalate dramatically.
Opposition
Desperate plans form and fail. The boy soldier George attempts to retrieve a pipa string for Yu Mo and is killed by Japanese forces. The women realize escape is impossible and death approaches for the innocent schoolgirls.
Collapse
George's death devastates the compound. The boy's sacrifice and the certainty that the schoolgirls will be taken in two days creates absolute despair. All hope seems lost; innocence cannot be preserved.
Crisis
In the darkness after George's death, Yu Mo and the prostitutes make their choice. They will disguise themselves as the schoolgirls and go in their place, knowing they face certain brutalization and death.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The prostitutes transform into schoolgirls, saying goodbye to their former selves. Miller orchestrates the deception while planning escape for the real students. The women board the truck with dignity, sacrificing themselves for innocents they once scorned.