Childrens views of war provide the basis of this provocative Chinese drama set in 1940. The story centers on two Chinese orphans Chuchu and Luo Xiaoman as they are taken to an international school in Moscow following the revolution at home. One year, Chuchus entire class is captured by the Nazis while attending summer camp in Belorussia. Young Luo, who didnt go, is evacuated with the remaining students. When he is denied entry into the army, he and his friends join a street gang. Meanwhile, Chuchu has become an indentured servant for the enemy. A high ranking officer saves her by using her as a human canvas for his tattoo hobby. Luo gets a job delivering death notices in villages. Finding the job grim and depressing, he buoys his spirits by writing the villagers letters from their deceased sons. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide