As London commemorates the 80th anniversary of Japan's WWII surrender, two cinematic works are casting new light on a little-known act of wartime courage. Dongji Rescue, a historical drama, and documentary The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru are bringing to life the 1942 story of Chinese fishermen who defied Japanese forces to save 384 British POWs from drowning.
When Cinema Meets History
In their first joint interview with CGTN, directors Guan Hu (The Eight Hundred) and Fang Li revealed how their films complement each other. While Fang's documentary uses archival footage and survivor testimonies, Guan's drama reconstructs the perilous rescue through the lens of Dongji Island residents who braved naval blockades to pull prisoners from shark-infested waters.
Beyond Battlefield Narratives
The films coincide with renewed academic interest in Asia's WWII civilian resistance movements. 'This isn't just military history,' Fang noted. 'It's about ordinary people recognizing our shared humanity.' The project involved collaboration between Chinese and British historians, with descendants of survivors participating in both productions.
A Bridge Across Time
As Dongji Rescue premieres at London's Imperial War Museum and the documentary returns to UK cinemas, the works offer timely insights for business leaders and cultural observers alike. The story's themes of cross-cultural cooperation resonate in today's geopolitical climate, while stunning cinematography of Zhejiang's archipelago appeals to travel enthusiasts.
