Watch Black Sun: The Nanking Massacre
- 1995
Black Sun: The Nanking Massacre is a historical drama based on the true events of the Nanking Massacre that took place during the Second Sino-Japanese War. This 1995 film directed by Mou Tun Fei depicts the brutal and inhumane treatment of Chinese civilians and prisoners of war by the invading Japanese army in Nanking (present-day Nanjing), China.
The movie opens with a group of Chinese soldiers fighting a losing battle against the Japanese forces. As the Japanese army advances, many civilians flee the city in fear of their lives. However, those that remain are subject to unimaginable atrocities. The Japanese troops mercilessly rape and murder both men and women, and even children are not spared in this horrific rampage. The movie spares no detail in showing these gruesome events as they unfold on screen.
As the initial wave of violence subsides, the Japanese authorities appoint a mild-mannered soldier, Lt. Kano (Yusuke Iseya), to oversee the security of the city. Kano is a man of honour and integrity and is horrified by the brutality that he witnesses. He tries his best to maintain discipline among his troops and prevent further violence. However, his efforts are in vain as his subordinates continue to act with impunity. Kano is conflicted between his duty to obey his superiors and his conscience that dictates that he must help the victims of the violence.
The story of Black Sun: The Nanking Massacre is narrated through the eyes of three Chinese characters, who are faced with the horrors of the Japanese invasion. The first is Miss Jiang, a beautiful young teacher who becomes a victim of the troops' sexual violence. She is initially saved by an outcast Chinese soldier, who sacrifices his life to protect her, but she is later captured by the Japanese forces.
The second character is Mr. Tang (Liu Maoming), an elderly Chinese professor, who chooses to remain in the city to care for his sick wife. He is captured and tortured by the Japanese soldiers, who force him to rape his own daughter, a fate worse than death. His character symbolizes the mental and physical agony that the Chinese people faced during the occupation.
The third protagonist is a rebellious Chinese soldier (Asano Tadanobu), who witnesses the atrocities committed by the Japanese army and decides to take matters into his own hands. He joins forces with a group of freedom fighters who plan to attack the Japanese forces in Nanking. He is a man who is fueled by his hatred for the Japanese forces and seeks revenge for the atrocities committed against his fellow Chinese citizens.
Black Sun: The Nanking Massacre is a film that does not shy away from the brutal reality of war. The movie was filmed in a documentary style, which adds a sense of realism to the story. The violent scenes are not glorified, but are depicted in a way that accurately portrays the brutality of the events. The performances given by the actors are incredible, especially the portrayal of Lt. Kano, who is torn between his duty and his conscience.
In conclusion, Black Sun: The Nanking Massacre is a movie that is not for the faint of heart. The movie is a realistic depiction of the brutality and inhumanity that occurred during the Nanking Massacre. The movie does not sugarcoat the atrocities committed by the Japanese army and accurately portrays the physical and mental agony that the Chinese people faced during the occupation. This movie is a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the true horrors of war.