A Chinese-produced WWII drama is forging emotional connections across continents as 'Dongji Rescue' premiered in London and Sydney this week. The film's European debut on August 15 coincided with the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender, while its Australian screening two days earlier drew tearful applause.
Based on true events, the film depicts the 1942 rescue of 384 British POWs by Zhejiang fishermen after Japanese transport ship Lisbon Maru was torpedoed near Dongji Island. Nearly 1,800 prisoners faced drowning when local fishermen braved naval crossfire to save survivors.
'This isn't just history – it's proof that courage transcends borders,' said London attendee Michael Carter, whose grandfather served in Asia during WWII. Sydney viewer Li Wei noted: 'In today's divided world, the message of ordinary people choosing humanity over conflict hits harder than any battle scene.'
Academics highlight the film's significance in documenting lesser-known WWII cooperation between Chinese civilians and Allied forces. For diaspora communities, it represents growing cultural confidence in Chinese storytelling reaching global markets.
