Red Cherry

Based on a true story, Red Cherry offers a horrifying reminder of how war can destroy innocence. In a brilliantly told tale, this compelling film follows the lives of two Chinese students--Chuchu and Luo Xiaoman--who were orphaned as a result of the Cultural Revolution and left to adapt at the Ivanov International School in Russia. As World War II progresses, the two friends are separated, suffering brutalities at the hands of Nazi oppressors. While Luo begins a vagrant life, marked by starvation and cold, Chuchu is forced to become a living piece of art as a German general uses her back as his canvas to create a Nazi logo tattoo. Exploring the physical and emotional pain of war, Red Cherry--a winner at numerous film festivals--is a powerful testament to movie-making at its best. A definite not-to-miss foreign flick that's sure to open the mind if not the heart. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (M. K. Lau)