China
China

Movie spotlight

China

1943
Movie
79 min
English

Shortly before Pearl Harbor, American opportunist Jones and partner Johnny are in China to sell oil to the invading Japanese army. Cynical about the sufferings of the Chinese, Jones meets compassionate teacher Carolyn Grant while travelling cross-country to Shanghai. Sparks fly between these strong-willed characters, neither budging an inch. But when Jones witnesses a Japanese atrocity, his feelings toward his customers (and Carolyn) begin to change...

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: John FarrowGenres: War, Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

During the Japanese invasion of China, a Canadian nurse finds herself stranded in Manchuria with a roguish American mercenary. As they navigate the treacherous landscape and the dangers of war, they develop an unlikely bond. Their journey is fraught with peril as they encounter both the brutality of the occupying forces and the resilience of the local population.

Critical Reception

China received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with particular praise directed at the performances of Loretta Young and Alan Ladd, and its attempt to capture the drama of wartime China. While some critics found the plot somewhat conventional, many appreciated its emotional depth and wartime atmosphere. It was considered a solid B-movie production that resonated with audiences during World War II.

What Reviewers Say

  • Loretta Young and Alan Ladd deliver compelling performances.

  • The film effectively portrays the harrowing atmosphere of wartime China.

  • Some find the narrative predictable, but the emotional core is strong.

Google audience: Information not available for Google user reviews.

Fun Fact

Alan Ladd's role in 'China' significantly boosted his career, leading to more prominent roles and establishing him as a leading man in Hollywood.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Alan Ladd is "Jones", a rather cynical American in China working in the oil industry. He doesn't really care who he sells to - and given the population as been under the heel of the invading Japanese forces for many years, that doesn't make...