Very Hollywood "based on a true story" movie about a white woman (played by Ingrid Bergman) who goes to China during a time of great unrest to spread the word of God. It's not quite as offensive as it sounds. While it definitely does not break apart completely from the long-revered Asian stereotypes Hollywood loved to enforce, it treats the people as humans. I have little sympathy for the woman's mission. However, Gladys Aylward (at least in this version) wanted more than anything to help the less fortunate. Her goodness shines far and wide. Eventually, the Japanese descend on the small town in which she lives, and she must transport a large number of orphaned children South, where they can be cared for. Ingrid Bergman is excellent, as always. Robert Donat plays one of the main Chinese characters, the village elder. I know it's not politically correct, but Donat is very good in the role. The biggest flaw in the film is Curd Jürgens, who plays a bi-racial military officer and Bergman's love interest. The love story feels rather forced, and Jürgens' performance is awful. He looks like a stupider version of John Wayne. I'm guessing that this film was a big-time piece of Oscar bait in its day. Ingrid Bergman had just won one for Anastasia a couple of years earlier, so the Academy didn't bite. The only nomination it got was for its director, and it's kind of hard to see why. Robson does a fine job, but nothing to write home about. Still, despite its flaws and its dated nature, the film is pretty good. And it does succeed at being touching.
Review of The Inn of the Sixth Happiness
