The Flowers of War

American mortician John Miller arrives in Nanjing with a solemn purpose to bury the foreign head priest of a Catholic girls' convent. This event occurs shortly after the devastating bombing of the city, highlighting the chaos engulfing the area.

A group of flamboyant prostitutes discovers the convent as a safe haven from the Japanese forces invading the city. They find sanctuary in the convent, believing foreign entities like themselves are spared from the marauding soldiers.

As the prostitutes settle in the cellar, Miller grapples with a moral dilemma concerning the safety of the convent’s teenage schoolgirls. He realizes he must take action to protect them in the face of imminent threat.

When Japanese soldiers arrive at the convent searching for girls to exploit, Miller decides to disguise himself as the convent's priest. This decision is pivotal as it allows him to create a facade of protection over the vulnerable girls.

Miller, with the help of local collaborator Mr. Meng, begins repairing the convent’s truck in hopes of creating an escape route for the girls. This act underscores his determination to safeguard the schoolgirls amid the conflict.

A Japanese Colonel named Hasegawa arrives and assures Miller that sentinels will protect the convent. However, this promised safety is swiftly undermined by Hasegawa's demands and the underlying tension of the situation.

Hasegawa insists that the girls perform a choral piece as a display for him. Following their performance, he extends an invitation for them to partake in a Japanese Army victory celebration, further escalating the danger they face.

Worried for the safety of the girls, Miller vehemently refuses Hasegawa's invitation. The Colonel, however, interprets this refusal not as a choice but as defiance, insisting the girls will be taken the next day.

In a twist of events, a prostitute is inadvertently counted with the girls, bringing their total to thirteen. Inspired by their leader Yu Mo, the prostitutes rally together to intervene and shield the schoolgirls from the Japanese soldiers.

Despite his initial hesitation, Miller uses his skills as a mortician to help the prostitutes disguise themselves. This collaborative effort emphasizes the unity between the vulnerable groups in their fight for survival.

As the following day arrives, the thirteen, including the disguised prostitutes, are unknowingly escorted by Japanese soldiers. Meanwhile, Miller cleverly hides the convent girls in the truck he has repaired, maintaining the ruse.

Utilizing a special permit secured by Mr. Meng, Miller drives away from the besieged town. This act of escape symbolizes a hard-fought victory against the overwhelming threat of the Japanese forces.

In the poignant final scene, the truck is seen traveling down a deserted highway, moving towards safety. This imagery represents the hope and resilience of those who managed to survive the calamity of war.