The much-anticipated film Dongji Rescue, depicting the daring feats of Chinese fishermen during the 1942 Lisbon Maru incident, opened nationwide on the Chinese mainland on Friday. On its first day, audiences from the Taiwan region poured into cinemas, sparking lively discussions on social media.
Many Taiwan compatriots were moved by the film's attention to detail and its portrayal of resilience in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Lin Wei-kang, who had been following roadshows and trailers, rushed to the theater after work. "The spirit of holding the line and fighting to the death had my blood pumping," he said, quoting a line that resonated deeply: "This sea belongs to the Chinese! What happens at our doorstep is for us to handle!"
Chen Wan-yi appreciated how the movie recreated the historic rescue of British prisoners of war, steering wooden boats through a Japanese blockade. She praised the film for bringing to life the humble kindness and sense of duty of ordinary Chinese people.
Filming details also impressed viewers. Lin Chien-hsi highlighted the use of 1:1 industrial-scale sets that rebuilt a sunken cargo ship, 20 fishing boats and an old fishing village. "The cutting-edge technology made the story breathe," she shared, pointing to the filmmakers' dedication to authenticity.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Dongji Rescue joins recent hits like Dead To Rights and the upcoming documentary Mountains and Rivers Bearing Witness in reigniting Taiwan compatriots' passion for wartime history.
Fan Huai-fang described how these films stirred a timeless emotional connection: "It felt like I saw figures standing firm amid the smoke and fire, uniting all Chinese sons and daughters – including Taiwan compatriots – in resisting foreign aggression."
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
