LONDON – A powerful new documentary revealing a little-known chapter of World War II cooperation between Chinese civilians and British prisoners of war has captivated international audiences. The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru, directed by China's Fang Li, chronicles the 1942 maritime disaster that sparked an extraordinary display of cross-cultural courage.
In October 1942, Japanese cargo ship Lisbon Maru – transporting 1,800 British POWs – was torpedoed near Zhoushan Archipelago off the Chinese mainland. As the vessel sank, local fishermen braved artillery fire and treacherous waters to rescue 384 prisoners, despite risks from Japanese military forces.
"This isn't just history – it's a mirror reflecting our shared humanity," Director Fang Li told KhabarAsia.com. The film uses survivor testimonies, historical records, and dramatic reenactments to honor both rescuers and rescued.
Academic historians note the incident's significance in understanding civilian roles during wartime. Dr. Emily Carter of London School of Economics commented: "These fishermen's actions transcend political narratives, showing how ordinary people rewrite history through compassion."
The documentary's London premiere drew descendants of both rescued soldiers and Chinese rescuers, creating emotional reunions eight decades later. With screenings planned across Asia and Europe, the film sparks renewed interest in WWII's interconnected global stories.
