In the midst of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, a disillusioned American mortician named John arrives at a Catholic cathedral to prepare a priest for burial. He soon discovers a group of terrified schoolgirls and several courtesans from a nearby brothel hiding within the church's walls, all seeking refuge from the brutal Japanese soldiers ravaging the city. As tensions mount, John is reluctantly thrust into the role of protector. Despite his initial detachment, he finds himself moved by the desperate plight of those around him, particularly the brave and resourceful courtesan Yu Mo. As Japanese forces close in, John and the women must navigate the dangers outside their fragile sanctuary.

Facing insurmountable odds and moral dilemmas, John devises a daring plan to save the girls and the courtesans. With limited resources and unwavering determination, he begins to work with Yu Mo and the church's caretaker, Mr. Meng, to safeguard their lives and provide a semblance of hope amidst the chaos. John's transformation from a cynical outsider to a courageous defender of innocence becomes a poignant testament to the human spirit's capacity for change and sacrifice during one of history's darkest chapters.