After reading "The Rape of Nanking," I remain sensitive to the ruthless treatment the japs put upon the Chinese during WWII (for those ignorant educators who mistakenly call it World War Eleven, let me clarify: It was World War Two -- different from the world war we're currently engaged in, but with the same definition of purpose). The japs were purposely brutal and their tortures horrific. Unfortunately, the world governments pretended to be too occupied with their own troubles to vilify the japs for their invasion of China and the methodical brutality they rent upon the populace. Relief was left to the few individuals who were on the scene. At this movie's conclusion, survivors of the 700 mile march to safety convey their admiration and gratitude for the journalist-turned-savior, George Hogg. Soon, all witnesses to and survivors of the horrible treatment of the Chinese by the japs will be gone. It is important to document the facts and remembrances to preserve the legacy of these precious few. Oddly, we read today of Nazis being found and prosecuted (or, in Austria, protected), but nothing about the prosecution of the japs who were responsible for heinous war crimes. Communist China continues to suppress the Nationalists who fought the japs during WWII. What we're seeing in China today is the result of the politics of greed. It is sadly reminiscent of the Jacksonian era in the US, during which the American Indians suffered at the hands of the greedy and tortuous few. How could the people of America, Japan, and Germany turn their backs on what their governments were doing to fellow human beings, and deny knowledge of their actions? Don't you dare believe that the commonfolk did not know what horrors the governments were putting upon the citizens. There are diaries and journals that dispute that empty argument.
Labels: Film, Justice
