Nanking

Nanking is a gripping and somber 2007 documentary-style film that takes us on a journey back in time to one of the most horrific incidents of the 20th century, the Nanjing Massacre, or what is also known as "The Rape of Nanking". The phrase refers to a horrifically violent chapter in the Sino-Japanese War, which lasted roughly six weeks from December 1937 until January 1938. The film revolves around the atrocious plight of the people of Nanking, who were subjected to escalated levels of violence, torture, and sexual assaults by the invading Japanese forces.

The film, which features Hugo Armstrong, Rosalind Chao, Stephen Dorff and others, is an American docudrama that is both compelling and tragic, co-directed by Bill Guttentag and Dan Sturman. Instead of using conventional documentary practices, the filmmakers employ dramatic re-enactments, authentic footage, photos from the era, and interviews to provide a captivating blend of historical accuracy and narrative drive.

Determined to tell the tale of the Nanjing Massacre, the filmmakers brought in actors to portray some of the westerners who remained in the city during the Japanese invasion. These individuals, later known as the Nanjing Safety Zone committee members, included German businessman John Rabe, American missionary Minnie Vautrin, and American surgeon Robert Wilson among others.

Hugo Armstrong, Rosalind Chao, Stephen Dorff, and the rest of the ensemble cast deliver spellbinding performances as they read from diaries, letters, and memoirs of their counterparts, endeavoring to capture the essence and emotions of those terrifying times. The result is a vivid yet disturbing insight into a shocking event in history, bringing to life the anguish, fear, and heroism that arose from the depths of human tragedy.

Throughout, Nanking is careful to handle the graphic and distressing content with sensitivity and care. The film offers an essential historical overview of the events leading up to the Nanjing Massacre, along with calculations of the victims. It meticulously represents the terrifying ordeal suffered by the inhabitants of Nanking and the endeavours by a small group of Westerners who attempted to establish a safe zone within the city.

One of the film's underlying themes is the extraordinary sense of humanity exhibited in the midst of an unthinkable crisis. These real-life heroes, often conflicted by their backgrounds and countries' alliances, stood together against this shared atrocity. Against heartbreaking odds, they risked their lives for the well-being of the vulnerable, creating a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak and dismal reality.

Intertwining the readings and re-enactments with interviews from Chinese survivors, Nanking seamlessly blurs the line between past and present. These survivors' accounts are painfully raw and impactful, speaking volumes about the inconceivable resilience of the human spirit. Their testimonials are gritty, poignant reminders that though the massacre took place over seven decades ago, the painful memories and the indelible scars are still fresh in the hearts and minds of those impacted.

The film also includes interviews with Japanese war veterans from the period. This particular aspect introduces an element of controversial debate about truth and denial, providing additional layers of complexity to the narrative.

Visually, Nanking employs a monochromatic colour palette for its re-enactments, which works effectively in establishing the period aesthetic and mood. Historically accurate and subtly textured, the scenes hold an eerie ghosts-of-the-past resonance.

Nanking is not an easy film to watch, nor was it crafted to be. Its portrayal of one of history's darkest episodes is sparing in its depiction of the sadistic violence, yet resonates strong enough to leave an emotional imprint. Unflinching yet mindful, this docudrama is an imperative piece of storytelling that illuminates a horrendous but important piece of world history.

Through a deeply affecting narrative, Nanking aims to educate, to remember, and to encourage dialogue and understanding. It's a haunting cinematic experience that provokes thought and demands attention to the capacity of humankind for both unspeakable cruelty and profoundly compassionate heroism.