1 review
I expected a lot of this movie, considering it is a important part of Chinese history. Still, somehow the result was unconvincing.
The Rape of Nanjing represents one of the worst war episodes both in Chinese and human history. The tension between China and Japan are still present today, since Tokyo remains reluctant to admit it's full responsibility for the crimes committed.
Instead of a history based drama, "Nanjing Nanjing" seems like an expensive theatrical flamboyant TV play with an unfinished scenario. Furthermore, Japanese soldiers were depicted as almost friendly characters, which by all means is offensive to the victims of the crimes. Imagine a Holocaust themed movie with sympathetic SS officers... It just doesn't fit. The monochrome effect didn't help either. It looks fake and mostly unconvincing. I don't think the movie is terrible, yet I expected a lot more from a Chinese director on this matter.
Before "Nanjing Nanjing" even hit the box offices, a big polemic was lead in the high party circles about the way Japanese army was depicted. Some officials even wanted to censor the movie and ban it from showing. I'm not a supporter of censorship, yet maybe in this case I could find understanding for such a decision.
I guess Bertolucci has done a far better job with "The Last Emperor" in telling a Chinese story than Chuan.
The Rape of Nanjing represents one of the worst war episodes both in Chinese and human history. The tension between China and Japan are still present today, since Tokyo remains reluctant to admit it's full responsibility for the crimes committed.
Instead of a history based drama, "Nanjing Nanjing" seems like an expensive theatrical flamboyant TV play with an unfinished scenario. Furthermore, Japanese soldiers were depicted as almost friendly characters, which by all means is offensive to the victims of the crimes. Imagine a Holocaust themed movie with sympathetic SS officers... It just doesn't fit. The monochrome effect didn't help either. It looks fake and mostly unconvincing. I don't think the movie is terrible, yet I expected a lot more from a Chinese director on this matter.
Before "Nanjing Nanjing" even hit the box offices, a big polemic was lead in the high party circles about the way Japanese army was depicted. Some officials even wanted to censor the movie and ban it from showing. I'm not a supporter of censorship, yet maybe in this case I could find understanding for such a decision.
I guess Bertolucci has done a far better job with "The Last Emperor" in telling a Chinese story than Chuan.
- andrejvasiljevic
- Mar 7, 2010
- Permalink