'Unerasable Evidence', a new documentary released this month, reconstructs the harrowing story of Iwane Matsui, one of the principal architects of the 1937–38 Nanjing Massacre. Drawing on trial records from the International Military Tribunal for the Far East and rare footage shot by American missionary John Magee, the film pieces together an irrefutable chain of evidence that cemented Matsui’s conviction as a Class-A war criminal.
In 2025, as global audiences seek to understand the roots of modern conflicts, 'Unerasable Evidence' offers a data-rich narrative: archival documents detail how an estimated 300,000 civilians were killed during the six-week onslaught, while Magee’s original reels bring a haunting immediacy to survivors’ accounts. The documentary’s digital restoration techniques revive blurred frames, immersing viewers in a pivotal moment of history that still resonates today.
Beyond its cinematic impact, the film fosters interactive engagement. An accompanying online archive lets users explore trial transcripts, witness testimonies, and location-based maps of Nanjing’s winter 1937 campaign. By weaving archival rigor with innovative storytelling, 'Unerasable Evidence' challenges young global citizens and thought leaders to confront the legacy of wartime atrocities and underscores the power of historical memory in shaping justice.
History brooks no denial—and with this film, the evidence against Iwane Matsui stands forever unerasable.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
