Stewart's Finest Performance? Not many war movies tackle the cultural differences between the occupied peoples (here Chinese ) and those helping to defend them (Americans), don't know how truthfully it's presented but I believe it's meant well. Stewart is superb, in every scene, maybe one of his best performances. Production, script, score, acting all remarkable. Unusual locale for WW2 story, Chinese speak their language not 'American'. Strong lead role for Chinese actress was unusual for the time.
Nothing is black and white, the moral ambiguity of war is well presented, the Major's realisation of power as the impetus for his actions, the realistic ending of his romance the perfect conclusion.