Watch Horror In The East

Horror In The East is a chilling documentary series produced by BBC Select that delves into the Japanese occupation of Asia during World War II, specifically focusing on the atrocities committed by the Imperial Japanese Army against the civilian population. The series brings together eyewitness accounts, archival footage, and expert analysis to offer an unflinching portrayal of the horrors experienced by millions of people in the region.

Over the course of six episodes, Horror In The East covers a range of topics related to the Japanese occupation, from the invasion of China in 1937 to the dropping of the atomic bombs in 1945. Each episode examines a different aspect of Japan's aggression and brutality, including the Nanking Massacre, Comfort Women, biological warfare experiments, and the forced labor of prisoners of war.

One of the show's strengths is its use of primary sources to give voice to the victims of Japan's aggression. Survivors of the Nanking Massacre, for example, provide gut-wrenching accounts of the horrors they witnessed and endured, from mass executions to sexual violence. Similarly, former Comfort Women - women who were forcibly taken from their homes and made to work as sexual slaves for Japanese soldiers - share their experiences of abuse, trauma, and lifelong suffering.

Horror In The East also features interviews with historians, authors, and experts in the field, who provide context and analysis of the events being discussed. These experts offer insights into the motivations behind Japan's expansionist policies, the cultural beliefs that permitted the dehumanization of others, and the legacy of Japan's actions in the region.

One noteworthy episode of the series focuses on Unit 731, a top-secret branch of the Imperial Japanese Army that conducted experiments on human subjects in order to develop biological weapons. The episode includes rare footage of the unit's facilities, as well as interviews with surviving members of the unit and their victims. This episode is particularly gruesome, as it details the horrific methods used by Unit 731 to conduct their experiments, including vivisections and the deliberate infection of diseases.

The series is not without its flaws, however. Some viewers may find that the depictions of violence and trauma are too graphic, and could be triggering for those who have experienced or witnessed violence in their own lives. Additionally, some critics have argued that the series could benefit from a more nuanced exploration of the historical and cultural context in which the events occurred.

Despite these criticisms, Horror In The East is a powerful and important series that sheds light on a dark period in history. Through its use of primary sources and expert analysis, the series provides a sobering reminder of the consequences of unchecked aggression and the devastating impact of war on civilians. It is a difficult watch, but one that serves as a testament to the resilience and courage of those who have survived unimaginable horrors.

Horror In The East is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between December 3, 2000 and on BBC Select