Nanking-a documentary

The mother stood there terrified, trying to hush her baby by nursing it as her children gathered close around her. The bayonet came at her several times, her children screaming, “Do not stab my mommy!” she finally fell dropping the baby, who wailed in frustration. The solider speared the baby through its buttocks and chucked the child into the air, gave a last look at the carnage and moved on. The eldest looked at his mother, bleeding freely now and though she could not speak he knew what she needed of him. .He began to climb among the bodies of the dead and dying following the cries of a baby. He found him crawling aimlessly, his tiny hands and feet sticky and red with blood. He grabbed him up and found his way back to his mother, who held him to her breast, blood mixing with milk as they both slowly died. War is indeed hell.

This is but one of several first hand accounts in the fascinating documentary “Nanking” which chronicles the WW2 era tragedy in which some 200,000 Chinese citizens were, murdered and tens of thousands were raped at the hands of the Japanese. This terrible chapter of history told through archival footage, the survivors on both sides’ personal recollections and through the unique perspective of eight Westerners who had the personal courage and calling, to stay to try to help. Their words are culled from diaries, letters and portrayed by such as Stephen Dorff, Mariel Hemingway, Woody Harrelson, and Jurgen Prochnow (as a Schindler type member of the Nazi party). These Westerners set up a “safety zone” where they attempted to save thousands. They did manage to save many, but felt each loss personally.

This film should be required viewing for all, but the footage is quite graphic and the carnage of war is not spared any viewer. Be forewarned much of this never before seen footage is beyond disturbing. The film does not tell us why society breaks down in these ways, but it does remind us of that even in these moments human beings can stand for good, even with much personal sacrifice.

The film received a 98% rating at Rotten Tomatoes . I recommend this film, with all my heart, to all adults.

Peace as always and in all ways~sage