Nanking
starring: Rosalind Chao, Stephen Dorff, John Getz, Woody Harrelson, Jürgen Prochnow
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Product Description:
This captures the controversial story of one of the most tragic events in history. Known as the rape of nanking. The japanese army in 1937 invaded chinas capital city unleashing a horrific onslaught of murder & rape. Incredibly a small group of westerners stayed behind saving thousands.Studio: Image EntertainmentRelease Date: 04/29/2008Starring: Woody Harrelson Stephen DorffRun time: 90 minutes
Amazon.com:
The diaries and letters of Western observers, combined with the testimonies of still-living Chinese eyewitnesses, create an intimate and wrenchingly compelling depiction of the Japanese invasion of Nanking in 1937. Nanking focuses on the Safety Zone established by a bizarre combination of American missionaries and Nazi businessmen, a haven that saved the lives of over 200,000 Chinese too poor to flee the marauding army. The words of these missionaries and businessmen are read by a cast of famous actors, including Woody Harrelson, Jurgen Prochnow (Das Boot), and Mariel Hemingway (Manhattan); this could have turned out unbearably precious, but the restraint and respect of the performances allows the voices of the writers to come through with understated power. The documentary is filled with gruesome details ("The dead covered the ground like a straw mat," declares a Japanese soldier) and the atrocities at times verge on unendurable; there's a reason this occupation is commonly held up as a definitive example of man's inhumanity to man. But throughout the horror are glimpses of astonishing courage and the deepest generosity, some of it driven by what can only be described as fierce pacifism. There are startlingly instructive moments (for example, while soldiers raped and looted the city, the Japanese army made propaganda films of soldiers giving candy to hungry children), but the culminating emotional impact of the documentary goes beyond anything didactic. The invasion of Nanking provokes controversy even now, 70 years later. Nanking is unlikely to lay denials to rest, but it's a potent and valuable reminder of the degradation of war. --Bret Fetzer
This captures the controversial story of one of the most tragic events in history. Known as the rape of nanking. The japanese army in 1937 invaded chinas capital city unleashing a horrific onslaught of murder & rape. Incredibly a small group of westerners stayed behind saving thousands.Studio: Image EntertainmentRelease Date: 04/29/2008Starring: Woody Harrelson Stephen DorffRun time: 90 minutes
Amazon.com:
The diaries and letters of Western observers, combined with the testimonies of still-living Chinese eyewitnesses, create an intimate and wrenchingly compelling depiction of the Japanese invasion of Nanking in 1937. Nanking focuses on the Safety Zone established by a bizarre combination of American missionaries and Nazi businessmen, a haven that saved the lives of over 200,000 Chinese too poor to flee the marauding army. The words of these missionaries and businessmen are read by a cast of famous actors, including Woody Harrelson, Jurgen Prochnow (Das Boot), and Mariel Hemingway (Manhattan); this could have turned out unbearably precious, but the restraint and respect of the performances allows the voices of the writers to come through with understated power. The documentary is filled with gruesome details ("The dead covered the ground like a straw mat," declares a Japanese soldier) and the atrocities at times verge on unendurable; there's a reason this occupation is commonly held up as a definitive example of man's inhumanity to man. But throughout the horror are glimpses of astonishing courage and the deepest generosity, some of it driven by what can only be described as fierce pacifism. There are startlingly instructive moments (for example, while soldiers raped and looted the city, the Japanese army made propaganda films of soldiers giving candy to hungry children), but the culminating emotional impact of the documentary goes beyond anything didactic. The invasion of Nanking provokes controversy even now, 70 years later. Nanking is unlikely to lay denials to rest, but it's a potent and valuable reminder of the degradation of war. --Bret Fetzer
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: 
- General Manager
Very well done.Nanking documents a piece of world history not well known to most, but should be.The docudrama technique of integrating narrators with actual footage does a great job of bringing this story to life.A sad yet uplifting story.
Rating: - Memorable account of the rape and massacre of Nanking, 1937
"Nanking" is a well-made production that recounts the horrors endured by the citizens of Nanking in 1937 when Japanese soldiers overran and invaded the city. At the beginning, we are introduced to the actors who portray the actual historical figures who played such an important role in saving the lives of thousands of Chinese civilians - among them, Woody Harrelson [playing Bob Wilson, an American surgeon who ran a hospital in Nanking], Mariel Hemingway [plays Minnie Vautrin, Dean of the Ginling ... Read More
Rating: - many thanks to the people who made the great film
As a Chinese, I would like to say, many thanks to the people who made the great film.The truth needs to be known to the whole world.I'm also deeply indebted to those Western people who helped Chinese in our difficult time.I would like to see someday people in Nanking erect monument for those great people.There's no reason Chinese people deserve such cruelty.Shaped by the teachings of Confucianism and Taoism, Chinese people traditionally like to make peace and harmony with neighbors.If ... Read More
Rating: - Heroes rise
Amid the horror- hope. A valuable retelling of the history. The history is the subject of books and other films. This is a good starting point to learn, once again, about the cruelty and bravery possible in mankind.
Rating: - True picture of history
The historical footage of this movie can not be denied. Though it was very emotional to watch, it was a lesson we can not ignore. Like the holocaust, this was another human tragedy which should never be repeated.An excellent documentary I recommend fully.
- General ManagerVery well done.Nanking documents a piece of world history not well known to most, but should be.The docudrama technique of integrating narrators with actual footage does a great job of bringing this story to life.A sad yet uplifting story.
- Memorable account of the rape and massacre of Nanking, 1937"Nanking" is a well-made production that recounts the horrors endured by the citizens of Nanking in 1937 when Japanese soldiers overran and invaded the city. At the beginning, we are introduced to the actors who portray the actual historical figures who played such an important role in saving the lives of thousands of Chinese civilians - among them, Woody Harrelson [playing Bob Wilson, an American surgeon who ran a hospital in Nanking], Mariel Hemingway [plays Minnie Vautrin, Dean of the Ginling ... Read More
- many thanks to the people who made the great filmAs a Chinese, I would like to say, many thanks to the people who made the great film.The truth needs to be known to the whole world.I'm also deeply indebted to those Western people who helped Chinese in our difficult time.I would like to see someday people in Nanking erect monument for those great people.There's no reason Chinese people deserve such cruelty.Shaped by the teachings of Confucianism and Taoism, Chinese people traditionally like to make peace and harmony with neighbors.If ... Read More
- Heroes riseAmid the horror- hope. A valuable retelling of the history. The history is the subject of books and other films. This is a good starting point to learn, once again, about the cruelty and bravery possible in mankind.
- True picture of historyThe historical footage of this movie can not be denied. Though it was very emotional to watch, it was a lesson we can not ignore. Like the holocaust, this was another human tragedy which should never be repeated.An excellent documentary I recommend fully.
