In late September 1942, more than 1,800 British prisoners of war were sealed in the hold of the sinking Lisbon Maru after an attack by the Japanese army, their hatchways closed off in a deadly scheme. But against all odds, a small flotilla of Zhoushan fishermen in wooden sampans broke through the blockade and shellfire to rescue 384 men, pulling them from the brink of doom.
A Humanitarian Mission at Sea
Unlike grand war epics, Dongji Rescue zeroes in on that fateful night. The film weaves a powerful narrative of courage and compassion as ordinary people risk life and limb for strangers. Their actions highlight a distinctly Eastern embrace of universal humanitarian values.
Guarding History from Distortion
More than 80 years later, certain right-wing forces in Japan continue to whitewash textbooks and deny wartime atrocities. Through its vivid storytelling, Dongji Rescue lays bare the cruelty of war while sounding an alarm on the insidious danger of rewriting history.
Why It Matters Today
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs, activists, sports and culture fans, Dongji Rescue is a timely call to defend truth, empathy and cross-border solidarity. It invites audiences to reflect on the real impact of human compassion, even amid conflict, and our shared responsibility to protect collective memory.
As the film reaches screens worldwide, it offers a fresh perspective on a lesser-known chapter of World War II – one defined by simple wooden boats, unwavering bravery and the enduring power of humanity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
