Nanking (2007)

Memorable account of the rape and massacre of Nanking, 1937

"Nanking" is a well-made production that recounts the horrors endured by the citizens of Nanking in 1937 when Japanese soldiers overran and invaded the city. At the beginning, we are introduced to the actors who portray the actual historical figures who played such an important role in saving the lives of thousands of Chinese civilians - among them, Woody Harrelson [playing Bob Wilson, an American surgeon who ran a hospital in Nanking], Mariel Hemingway [plays Minnie Vautrin, Dean of the Ginling Women's College], John Rabe [a German businessman who was also a Nazi], and actors portraying Christian missionaries based in Nanking at the time.

When the invasion of Nanking by the Japanese seems imminent, a group of 15 Westerners based in the city decide to set up a Safety Zone in the city and ask permission from the Japanese Consul, but are denied. They go ahead and set up the safety zone anyway, an area about 2 square miles that includes Rabe's house, Wilson's hospital and Ginling Women's College. Thousands of refugees sought refuge in this Safety Zone.

Unfortunately, the drama also recounts how many Chinese POWs sought refuge on the premises, disguising themselves as civilians, an act which was to prove futile for the most part [only a few actually escaped] as the Japanese ruthlessly hunted these men and murdered them by the thousands.

Apart from the murder of Chinese POWs, the Japanese soldiers also murdered innocent civilians by the thousands and these acts of brutality are brought 'alive' for viewers through actual archival footage of decapitations, photographs, and also by actual eyewitness accounts of survivors of this violence.

Most disturbingly, these accounts are also interspersed by actual interviews with surviving Japanese soldiers who participated in these barbaric acts such as the Yamada Unit soldiers who 'processed', i.e. massacred 20,000 Chinese POWs, Japanese soldiers who participated in mass rapes [victims ranging from 10-60 years in age] and recounting their barbaric acts with not an ounce of repentance! An actor playing a real life Japanese soldier recounts that the soldiers basically had nothing to do and so they raped - as matter-of-fact as that with no regret or shame.

Ultimately, despite all the horrors of the Rape of Nanking, what shines through is the courage of a group of people who had the will, determination and faith to stand up to the Japanese army and provide refuge to those in desperate need of shelter, food and safety. Though their efforts were not wholly successful [Japanese soldiers found ways and means to get women, even from within the Safety Zone], their kind deeds did save many lives and should not be forgotten.

This is a compelling docu-drama that is a must-watch for it's historical significance, covering a period of time in history where immeasurable human suffering occurred during the Japanese invasion and occupation of Nanking. January 5, 2009

many thanks to the people who made the great film

As a Chinese, I would like to say, many thanks to the people who made the great film. The truth needs to be known to the whole world. I'm also deeply indebted to those Western people who helped Chinese in our difficult time. I would like to see someday people in Nanking erect monument for those great people. There's no reason Chinese people deserve such cruelty. Shaped by the teachings of Confucianism and Taoism, Chinese people traditionally like to make peace and harmony with neighbors. If you look back Chinese history, it's always ethnic tribes who attacked and invaded China, not the other way around. After years' ruling, the attackers were often assimilated with Chinese, and became Chinese themselves eventually. That's the magic of China. On the other hand, the Japanese people are militant in nature and by training. They committed such horrendous crime, but even till now, they refuse to acknowledge what they did and never apologized. Simply, take a look of their banking system. After bubble burst, rather than acknowledge their bad debt, they used all their means to cover it. It's no wonder their economy is still dragging along after 18 years. Their decade-long economic deflation reflects their shameless nature exactly. Personally I hope the new generation of Japanese can learn from their forefather's crime, and make contribution to the world peace instead. But history rhythms, that could be my hopeless wish. Their prime minister continues to bow to the soul of war criminal, Tojo. In contrast, the Germany Chancellor kneed down to in front of the Polish Getto Victim Memorial to beg forgiveness for what Hitler did. The most hated liars are those whose revise history.

War is crime. War not only costs life of both sides, but also wipes off treasures and capitals accumulated through generations. The first and second world war exhausted the great British Empire. The Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) destroyed France, the most powerful country from 1700-1800. The Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC) destroyed Greece Empire. I am afraid the current Iraq War could abolish the great power the United States holds, causing unexpected consequences. We need to unite together, opposing all the wars.
October 19, 2008

Heroes rise

Amid the horror- hope. A valuable retelling of the history. The history is the subject of books and other films. This is a good starting point to learn, once again, about the cruelty and bravery possible in mankind. August 3, 2008

True picture of history

The historical footage of this movie can not be denied. Though it was very emotional to watch, it was a lesson we can not ignore. Like the holocaust, this was another human tragedy which should never be repeated.An excellent documentary I recommend fully. July 16, 2008

You wont be the same after you watch this...and nobody should.

Nanking is a kind of documentary told by the Westerners and the Chinese who lived through the massacre of the Imperial Japanese Army in 1937. The foreigners who lived in Nanking at the time have sadly passed away but their diaries and stories are read aloud by such actors as Woody Harelson, Jurgen Prochnow and Mariel Hemingway.
Along with the actors reading their parts and the testimonials of surviving Chinese are actual pictures and film footage of the horrors the Japanese soldiers inflicted on the citizens of Nanking.

For the most part you have to have a very strong stomach and a strong heart to watch this. Its gruesom, horrifying and beyond sad. Many would argue though, in order for history not to repeat itself, it needs to be seen. June 11, 2008

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