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Associated Press
2 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
CGTN: 'Dongji Rescue': Humanity forged in blood and fire
BEIJING, Aug. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The film 'Dongji Rescue,' based on the 1942 sinking of the Japanese ship Lisbon Maru after it was torpedoed by American forces, is the moving story of Chinese fishermen from nearby Dongji Island courageously rescuing the over 1800 British POWs aboard the liner despite Japanese soldiers' firing. It's not just a poignant look back at a forgotten chapter of history. 'Dongji Rescue' embodies the principle that remembering history is not about perpetuating hatred, but about learning from it to safeguard peace. When the Lisbon Maru sank, Japanese forces, instead of mounting a rescue effort, callously sealed the ship's holds and fired upon the prisoners trying to escape. In stark contrast to their brutality and callousness, the local Chinese fishermen, though suffering greatly under the war, showed their principle that 'saving a life is a greater virtue than building a seven-storied pagoda.' Risking their lives, they took their flimsy boats near the sinking ship to rescue hundreds of the POWs. This selfless, borderless act of compassion shone as a beacon in the darkness of war, highlighting the sense of responsibility and commitment of ordinary Chinese in times of crisis. The film's release is especially significant in today's complex and volatile global landscape where some nations are still pursuing hegemonism and unilateralism in international affairs, and conflicts continue to erupt, threatening world peace. Japan's attitude toward historical issues remains deeply disappointing. Instead of acknowledging and atoning for its wartime aggression, it has been attempting to whitewash its history of invasion. Tokyo is distorting textbooks and justifying visits to the so-called Yasukuni Shrine, which actually commemorates over 1,000 convicted World War II war criminals. This is a desecration of historical truth and an insult to the nations Japan victimized. As Guan Hu, director of 'Dongji Rescue,' said, 'Distorting and twisting history is more terrifying than forgetting it. I felt that I should tell everyone the truth through the film.' Through the power of cinema, 'Dongji Rescue' revives the memory of this true history, reminding us that history must not be forgotten, and certainly not falsified. We remember history not to perpetuate hatred or seek revenge against a particular nation but to draw lessons from it – to understand the preciousness of peace and to defend it more resolutely. Many were unaware what happened on Dongji Island in the East China Sea during World War II and China's role in the war. On the 80th anniversary of the War of Resistance, through films and reports, the world has learned how the Chinese fought invaders eight decades ago. These recollections bring to light the atrocities committed by Japan. China will always be a builder of world peace and contributor to global development. By championing the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, China contributes to global peace and development. Eighty years ago, after 14 years of relentless war, the Chinese achieved their great victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression along the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. To mark the occasion, a batch of new films and television dramas remembering the war of resistance has been released to acclaim. The box-office earnings of 'Dead to Rights' have crossed 2 billion yuan ($278.4 million). 'Dongji Rescue' is a film with profound insight and contemporary relevance. While commemorating history, it strengthens our resolve to uphold peace, inspires deeper reflection on history and aspiration for peace worldwide. It teaches us to unite, learn from history, and build a brighter future together. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: Contact: CGTN, [email protected]
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
CGTN: 'Dongji Rescue': Humanity forged in blood and fire
BEIJING, Aug. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The film "Dongji Rescue," based on the 1942 sinking of the Japanese ship Lisbon Maru after it was torpedoed by American forces, is the moving story of Chinese fishermen from nearby Dongji Island courageously rescuing the over 1800 British POWs aboard the liner despite Japanese soldiers' firing. It's not just a poignant look back at a forgotten chapter of history. "Dongji Rescue" embodies the principle that remembering history is not about perpetuating hatred, but about learning from it to safeguard peace. When the Lisbon Maru sank, Japanese forces, instead of mounting a rescue effort, callously sealed the ship's holds and fired upon the prisoners trying to escape. In stark contrast to their brutality and callousness, the local Chinese fishermen, though suffering greatly under the war, showed their principle that "saving a life is a greater virtue than building a seven-storied pagoda." Risking their lives, they took their flimsy boats near the sinking ship to rescue hundreds of the POWs. This selfless, borderless act of compassion shone as a beacon in the darkness of war, highlighting the sense of responsibility and commitment of ordinary Chinese in times of crisis. The film's release is especially significant in today's complex and volatile global landscape where some nations are still pursuing hegemonism and unilateralism in international affairs, and conflicts continue to erupt, threatening world peace. Japan's attitude toward historical issues remains deeply disappointing. Instead of acknowledging and atoning for its wartime aggression, it has been attempting to whitewash its history of invasion. Tokyo is distorting textbooks and justifying visits to the so-called Yasukuni Shrine, which actually commemorates over 1,000 convicted World War II war criminals. This is a desecration of historical truth and an insult to the nations Japan victimized. As Guan Hu, director of "Dongji Rescue," said, "Distorting and twisting history is more terrifying than forgetting it. I felt that I should tell everyone the truth through the film." Through the power of cinema, "Dongji Rescue" revives the memory of this true history, reminding us that history must not be forgotten, and certainly not falsified. We remember history not to perpetuate hatred or seek revenge against a particular nation but to draw lessons from it – to understand the preciousness of peace and to defend it more resolutely. Many were unaware what happened on Dongji Island in the East China Sea during World War II and China's role in the war. On the 80th anniversary of the War of Resistance, through films and reports, the world has learned how the Chinese fought invaders eight decades ago. These recollections bring to light the atrocities committed by Japan. China will always be a builder of world peace and contributor to global development. By championing the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, China contributes to global peace and development. Eighty years ago, after 14 years of relentless war, the Chinese achieved their great victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression along the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. To mark the occasion, a batch of new films and television dramas remembering the war of resistance has been released to acclaim. The box-office earnings of 'Dead to Rights" have crossed 2 billion yuan ($278.4 million). "Dongji Rescue" is a film with profound insight and contemporary relevance. While commemorating history, it strengthens our resolve to uphold peace, inspires deeper reflection on history and aspiration for peace worldwide. It teaches us to unite, learn from history, and build a brighter future together.
Daily Record
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Overlooked Netflix war film hailed as 'natural crowd pleaser' telling 'ignored' story
Kerry Washington stars in The Six Triple Eight, which is a historical war drama that tells the remarkable true story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion A 2024 historical war drama, directed by Tyler Perry and based on a true story, is being praised for shedding light on an important part of history and its overlooked heroes. The Six Triple Eight, with Kerry Washington in the compelling lead role as Major Charity Adams, tells the story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion - an all-Black, all-female battalion formed during World War II. The film draws inspiration from Kevin M Hymel's article Fighting a Two-Front War, published in the February 2019 issue of WWII History magazine. This war drama recounts the extraordinary true tale of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black and all-female unit deployed overseas during World War II. Their daunting task was to sort through millions of undelivered letters and packages intended for American soldiers serving in the war, reports the Express. In the face of sexism, racism, and harsh wartime conditions in the 1940s, these women, under the leadership of Major Charity Adams, boosted morale on the front lines and demonstrated exceptional determination and excellence amidst unimaginable adversity - leaving a lasting legacy. With a disappointing 55 per cent approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, The Six Triple Eight was almost universally criticised by reviewers, many of whom focused more on Tyler Perry's directorial shortcomings than the actual narrative and performances. One critic praised Kerry Washington's performance in Tyler Perry's latest war drama, saying: "Kerry Washington's scene-stealing performance boosts Tyler Perry's cumbersome but inspiring war drama." However, another was less impressed with Perry's direction, noting: "[Perry] can manage these soapy romantic beats, but charging the overall story with even the slightest hint of dramatic tension is beyond him." A different review highlighted both positives and negatives: "It's full of heart and has a story worth exposing to more people. And yet, Perry's shortcomings as a filmmaker hold this film back from being stronger." The Six Triple Eight, which is available on Netflix, features the song The Journey, which received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song at the 97th Academy Awards. Some reviews were favourable towards the war drama, with one stating: "Easily delivering on the big emotional beats, The Six Triple Eight is a natural crowd pleaser." Another reviewer described the film as a touching tribute: "The Six Triple Eight is a Frank Capra-esque feel-good story about heroes who are no longer forgotten." Audience reactions to The Six Triple Eight have been largely positive, with one viewer commenting: "This is a really good period piece to watch, showing not only a piece of history that often is looked over, but also giving it to us in an entertaining way. The acting was good, story overall was good. Just good, good, good." One enthusiast of the historical drama shared: "I'm a history buff and this is a story that definitely deserves to be told and it's lovely when the movie does the story justice. Great acting and script writing. Highly recommend." The film boasts an impressive cast, with Denzel Washington leading alongside Ebony Obsidian, Susan Sarandon, Oprah Winfrey, Shanice Shantay, Milauna Jackson, Sarah Jeffery, Dean Norris, Pepi Sonuga, Sam Waterston, Moriah Brown, Gregg Sulkin, and Kylie Jefferson. A viewer heaped accolades on the film, saying: "The Six Triple an outstanding film, telling the story of amazing women! The story deserves more credit and more people to watch and learn the history of what these women did!". Meanwhile, another succinctly expressed their enjoyment: "I loved this movie from start to finish!".
