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The Inn of the Sixth Happiness
Have you watched the movie The Inn of the Sixth Happiness? If not, I highly recommend it. This epic drama film was directed by Mark Robson and released in 1958. It is loosely based on a true story and stars Ingrid Bergman as Gladys Aylward, a British woman who became a missionary in China during the 1930s.
The Storyline
The story follows Gladys Aylward, who dreams of becoming a missionary in China but faces various challenges along the way. She eventually makes it to China and becomes a servant for an elderly woman named Jeannie Lawson (played by Athene Seyler). After Jeannie’s death, Gladys decides to carry on her legacy by becoming a “foot inspector,” which involves traveling to remote villages to enforce a ban on foot-binding.
Gladys faces many challenges during her mission, including cultural differences and war, but she perseveres through it all. She even becomes known as “Ai-weh-deh,” which means “virtuous one” in Mandarin. The film ends with Gladys leading over one hundred orphans over the mountains to safety during the Japanese invasion of China.
The Cast
The cast of The Inn of the Sixth Happiness is outstanding, with Ingrid Bergman leading the way. Her portrayal of Gladys Aylward is remarkable and earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The supporting cast also does an excellent job, including Robert Donat as Mandarin and Curd Jürgens as Captain Lin Nan.
Historical Accuracy
While The Inn of the Sixth Happiness is based on a true story, there are some inaccuracies in the film. For example, Gladys Aylward never married her co-worker, Mark (played by Ronald Squire), as portrayed in the movie. She also did not lead orphans over the mountains during World War II; instead, she helped refugees escape to safety.
Despite these discrepancies, the film still captures the spirit and determination of Gladys Aylward and provides a glimpse into China’s history during a tumultuous time.
The Score and Popularity
The score for The Inn of the Sixth Happiness was composed by Malcolm Arnold and features beautiful, sweeping melodies that capture the film’s epic scope. The soundtrack has gained popularity over the years and is still widely listened to today.
As for the movie itself, it was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It currently holds an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has become a beloved classic among audiences.
My Thoughts
I have to admit; I was not familiar with The Inn of the Sixth Happiness before watching it. However, I was blown away by this film. Ingrid Bergman’s performance is nothing short of brilliant, and she brings heart and depth to Gladys Aylward’s character.
The film’s themes of perseverance, courage, and compassion resonated deeply with me, and I found myself rooting for Gladys every step of the way. The cinematography is stunning, highlighting China’s beauty while also reflecting its devastating history.
Overall, I highly recommend watching The Inn of the Sixth Happiness if you haven’t seen it before. It’s a powerful story that will move you to tears while also leaving you feeling uplifted.
Criticism
While The Inn of the Sixth Happiness has received critical acclaim, it has also faced criticism over the years. Some have criticized the film for portraying a British woman as a hero in a story that belongs to China. Others have criticized the film’s romanticization of missionary work and its portrayal of Chinese culture.
These criticisms are valid, and it’s important to acknowledge them. However, I believe that The Inn of the Sixth Happiness is ultimately a story about human connection and compassion that transcends cultural boundaries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Inn of the Sixth Happiness is a powerful and inspiring film that tells the story of an extraordinary woman who made a difference in the world. While it may not be historically accurate or free from criticism, it still manages to capture the heart and spirit of its protagonist while also shedding light on China’s history during World War II.