Last Friday evening, London’s historic Odeon cinemas buzzed with anticipation as the European premiere of Dongji Rescue drew some 800 film enthusiasts.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, Dongji Rescue recounts the daring efforts of Chinese fishermen who risked everything to save over 300 British prisoners of war from the Japanese-turned-cargo vessel Lisbon Maru in 1942. That year, Lisbon Maru – repurposed by the Japanese army to transport 1,800 British POWs from Hong Kong to Japan – was struck by the U.S. Army off the Zhoushan Islands, off the Chinese mainland’s Zhejiang Province.
At a reception before the screening, Anthony Jones, chairman of the Lisbon Maru Memorial Association, shared his personal connection: “My grandfather, Thomas Theodore Jones, was one of the survivors of the Lisbon Maru sinking. This story is very close to my heart.”
Chinese Ambassador to Britain Zheng Zeguang highlighted the historic solidarity: “At the darkest hour of WWII, China and the UK fought on different fronts but shared a common mission: to defend humanity against fascism and aggression. Fighting side by side, our peoples forged a deep friendship.”
Actor William Franklyn-Miller, one of the film’s stars, told Xinhua he felt a responsibility to bring this overlooked chapter of history to light. “The bravery of the fishermen who rescued the British soldiers shines through,” he said.
Audience member Alfie Howis admitted the incident was new to him. “I didn’t know about this at all. It definitely taught me more about the Chinese contribution during WWII,” he said.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. On the main Eastern battlefield, the Chinese mainland’s resistance efforts were decisive in defeating Japanese fascism and supporting other fronts in Europe and Asia.
As Dongji Rescue prepares for wider release, its London premiere has already rekindled conversations about shared history, cross-cultural bravery, and the power of untold stories to unite global audiences.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
