I'm pretty excited by these films. I lived in Nanjing for the best part of a year, so I became pretty aware of the rape of Nanjing, and what kind of tensions it brings up in both Japanese and Chinese people. I'll sum it up briefly for those who don't know about it: To cut a long story short, in 1937, Japan (invading China) took Nanjing and carried out the massacre of 100's of thousands of civilians and the rape of many women. Many Chinese argue the figures were higher than most say, many Japanese say lower, or even deny it happened at all. The fact is the general consensus amongst impartial (by that I mean not Japanese or Chinese) historians, is that a good 250,000 civilians were murdered.

To mark the 70th anniversary a number of films were commissioned, the most notable two being 'John Rabe' and 'Nanking, Nanking'.

John Rabe - Is the story of the Schindler of Nanjing. A Nazi who set up a safety zone for Chinese civilians to protect them from Japanese soldiers. It's a German produced film with a cast including Steve Buscemi (who speaks german apparently). Here's a trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGoD7lSbd-w

Nanking, Nanking - This is a big budget Chinese produced film seemingly of a Schindler's-List-style all out horrific black and white portrayal of the events. Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSbw4jirbz4&feature=related


I'm really quite excited by both films and kinda bemused by the lack of coverage of them anywhere. I had to go out of my way to find anything. Still they should both be coming out this year, and I thought they were worth flagging.

PS. If anyone out there reading this is Japanese and takes offence or denies the Rape of Nanjing, I'm sorry. However, as far as I can see there's no real denial story to be heard and at least I'd rather this didn't turn into one of those threads of accusation and counter-accusation that fill the internet. Start another thread over in Activism if you want, I might even join in, but this is a film thread.

nm

Or Nanjing Nanjing, OR City of Life and Death.

Whatever the title, I thought it was pretty awesome. At least in the sense it brought on awe. In actual fact it was predictably uncomfortable watching. I mean, as someone whose lived in Nanjing for the best part of a year, I know how high feelings can run, and how each side of the story have strong views. I thought they pitched the film really well. Apparently it's not gone down 100% well in either China or Japan. Japan tries to deny the massacre, so they're not happy. The Chinese aren't happy because it shows remorse and sympathy in some Japanese.

I realise its a sensitive subject, but actually I think the remorseful Japanese soldier really ties the film together. And two hours of plain butchering would've been even more unbearable if not.

I'm very surprised this film hasn't had a release or at least build up in the West. It's a true epic. And actually really well produced unlike a lot of mainland Chinese films. People should try and get hold of it (although only if you "enjoy" this kind of thing).

Amazing novel. Touches on the Rape of N in a very unique way.