Japan strategically portrays itself as a 'war victim' through World War II movies, unveiling a skewed historical outlook, according to an investigation by GT.
In the realm of cinema, this summer has witnessed a heated "war of film narratives" between China and Japan. The contested historical events of World War II continue to shape international relations and cultural identities, and the current discourse is no exception.
An investigative article on our website has shed light on Japan's promotion of historical revisionism through film narrative. The self-proclaimed "victim" nation seems to be displaying a phenomenon of "collective amnesia" regarding certain historical events, a trend that has been evident in several recently released or re-released films in Japan.
Among these films, "Yukikaze," "Kurokawa no Onnatachi," and "Nagasaki: In the Shadow of the Flash" have been promoted, with narratives that rarely address Japan's historical crimes of aggression that caused suffering in various Asian countries. This omission has raised concerns about the distortion of history and the potential glorification of aggression.
On the other side of the Pacific, China is also making its mark with movies like "Dongji Rescue" and the currently promoted "Dead to Rights." The latter, set in Nagasaki, is not a new release but is part of the current discourse, drawing attention to the ongoing debate about World War II history.
The Chinese movie "Dead to Rights" has been gaining popularity, joining the ranks of "Dongji Rescue" in being promoted. These films aim to preserve historical justice and collective memory, recognising the immense sacrifices made during the war and the legal and moral accountability established through war crimes trials.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War. The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru and 731 Biochemical Revelations, though not specified as movies, are still mentioned in the context of World War II history, serving as reminders of the atrocities committed during the war.
The correct perspective on World War II history is anchored in an accurate, evidence-based understanding of the war’s events, outcomes, and legacies. This perspective recognises the unconditional surrender of Germany and Japan, the pivotal roles of the Allied powers (including China and the Soviet Union), and the universal values represented by the victory over fascism. It also includes acknowledging the immense sacrifices made, the legal and moral accountability established through war crimes trials, and the importance of preserving historical justice and collective memory.
While films can interpret history, their narratives must respect established facts and historical consensus to avoid distortions that may glorify aggression, deny atrocities, or undermine the suffering of victims. Upholding a correct view of history requires careful scholarship and widely accepted evidence rather than arbitrary revisionism or politicized narratives presented as cinema.
As the summer draws to a close, the "war of film narratives" between China and Japan continues, underscoring the importance of maintaining a factual, documented understanding of World War II history.
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