Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 6, 1991 TAG: 9104060438
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: TOM JACOBS LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Their impulse is a healthy one; creating one's own art is a far stronger statement than simply protesting the art of others. "China Cry" is competently made, and it wisely avoids preachiness. But its fact-based story, which no doubt stirs the souls of many evangelical Christians, is simply not dramatic enough to translate into an absorbing movie.
The film tells the story of Sung Neng Yee, a Chinese woman who ultimately emigrated to America, changed her name to Nora Lam and became a Christian missionary. It focuses exclusively on her years in China, including her privileged upbringing (as the daughter of a doctor), her successful studies, and her persecution by the communist authorities.
One of the biggest problems is the lack of drama in the second half of the film, much of which finds Sung Neng Yee working in a forced-labor camp. In essence, she badgers and harasses the authorities until they finally let her outof the country.
The film, directed by James F. Collier, looks very professional, and the cast is quite good.
\ `China Cry' A Penland Incorporated film playing at the Salem Valley 8 (389-0444) and Valley View Mall 6 (362-8219) theaters. Rated PG-13. 110 minutes.
by CNB