The US does not have a cornered market on Jingoistic films during WW 2. The Chinese (and French) also had their share of Jingoistic films. This is one of them. All these films have one thing in common; they overemphasize the romantic notion that 90% of the occupied country (China, France etc) was ready to resist and stand up against the invader at a moment's notice. Unfortunately, this was not true. A small, courageous percentage of Chinese and French resisted the Japanese and Germans ACTIVELY. The vast majority of the populations of both China and France did not ACTIVELY resist; but PASSIVELY resisted. This film is well-made and has a good story line. The acting is top-notch, and even the blond airhead with the Mae West mannerisms does a decent job. But Anna May Wong was a legitimate first-rate actress and she steals the film. She is the first lady of Chinese Cinema and the predecessor of Gong Li, the second great wave actress from China. Yes, the film is anti-Japanese in every respect, as it well should be. This is why China and Japan will never be allies in Asia. Worth viewing.
Review of Lady from Chungking
