The newly released war drama 'Dongji Rescue', which hit theaters on August 8, is drawing international attention for its emotional post-credits tribute to an extraordinary act of humanity during World War II. The film dramatizes the little-known 1942 'Lisbon Maru' incident, when fishermen from Dongji Island in Zhejiang Province on the Chinese mainland braved Japanese naval forces to rescue 384 British prisoners of war from a sinking transport vessel.
While the film's battle sequences have captivated audiences, it's the final scene that's sparking global conversations. After the credits roll, descendants of the rescued soldiers appear on screen, delivering heartfelt messages of gratitude to the descendants of the Dongji fishermen. 'My grandfather survived because of their courage,' says one British participant, encapsulating the cross-generational emotional resonance.
Historical records show nearly 200 Dongji fishermen participated in the three-day rescue operation, hiding POWs in fishing boats and coastal caves despite immense personal risk. The film's director told KhabarAsia: 'We wanted to show how ordinary people's bravery can ripple through history.'
This cinematic tribute comes as cultural exchanges between China and Europe gain momentum. Recent polls show 68% of UK respondents were unaware of the incident before the film's release, with many now calling for expanded historical education partnerships.
