A Roll of Film, The Hidden Truth of That Day.
It connects with our history that sought to record pain. The language of memory may differ, but the shape of wounds is the same, in the moving Chinese historical drama ‘Nanjing Photo Studio’ (Directed by Shen Ao).
The film depicts ordinary citizens hiding in a photo studio in Nanjing who, while being forced to develop photos by a Japanese military photographer, accidentally discover evidence photos of the massacre, and convey this history that must be remembered to the world.
Set against the backdrop of the 'Nanjing Massacre,' recorded as one of the most brutal tragedies in human history in 1937. It follows the perspective of 'A-Chang,' a mailman enduring day by day in the photo studio while developing film amidst the war, and the people hiding there.
To survive in the war, A-Chang is requested by Japanese military journalist 'Ito Hideo' to develop photos in a photo studio in Nanjing. The family of the studio owner 'Mr. Jin' and the refugees who gather there one by one. And the hundreds of photos secretly developed. Those photos captured the horrific atrocities of the Japanese army and the ordinary people who held their breath to survive.
In the face of the risk of being discovered, A-Chang protects the photo studio as a temporary refuge and collects the truths and evidence that must be revealed to the world. Finally, a hidden roll of film is made known worldwide, and the truth is uncovered.
What they faced through the camera was not just a simple landscape, but a brutal reality. The film deeply portrays the truth left by photographs and the power of humanity, providing a heavy emotional impact and lingering resonance. It is not just a war film, but depicts the courage of those who tried to protect human dignity and truth in an era dominated by force, reminding us of the value of history that we must never forget.
Above all, this story is quite closely related to us. It is an event that occurred when our country was under the oppression and brutal rule of Japan, which, having swallowed Korea, was not satisfied with its ambitions and invaded China.
In a similar period, both our country and China suffered indelible historical wounds from the same aggressor. Historians evaluate the Nanjing Massacre as an unprecedentedly horrific and brutal massacre. It resonates deeply with Korean audiences who have experienced the wounds of the Japanese colonial period.
The film has maintained the number one spot at the local box office for a long time since its release in China on July 25, with cumulative box office earnings reaching 3 billion yuan, approximately 588.3 billion won, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the summer season. It recorded a rating of 8.6 on the Chinese review platform Douban and was nominated in several categories at this year's Changchun Film Festival, sweeping awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and more.
Moreover, it has received high attention from overseas media, including Variety and Channel News Asia. It will be released domestically on November 5. Running time: 137 minutes.
