🎬 Fresh off the Chinese mainland screens, Dongji Rescue opened nationwide on Friday and drew enthusiastic crowds from the Taiwan region eager to witness the legendary 1942 Lisbon Maru rescue.
For many residents of Taiwan, this mainland production painted a vivid picture of courage and solidarity during the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Lin Wei-kang, who had been following every trailer and roadshow, sprinted to the theater straight after work. “The spirit of holding the line and fighting to the end had my blood pumping,” he shared. One line by Wu Lei as Dang – “This sea belongs to the Chinese! What happens at our doorstep is for us to handle!” – stuck with him long after the credits rolled.
Chen Wan-yi, another resident of Taiwan familiar with the Lisbon Maru story, praised how the film painstakingly recreated the daring sea rescue. “Watching humble fishermen steer through the Japanese blockade felt real and powerful,” she said. “It showed the kindness and bravery of ordinary people — a piece of history that deserves to be remembered.”
Lin Chien-hsi was moved by the film’s industrial-scale sets: a sunken cargo ship replica, 20 fishing boats, and a recreated fishing village. “The cutting-edge visuals brought the past to life,” she said, adding that the film captured the Chinese people’s indomitable spirit.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Alongside Dongji Rescue, hits like Dead To Rights and the upcoming documentary Mountains and Rivers Bearing Witness have reignited residents of Taiwan’s passion to explore wartime stories.
For Fan Huai-fang, these films forge a timeless emotional connection. “It felt like I stood with brave figures amid smoke and fire, witnessing a shared history of all Chinese sons and daughters — including compatriots from Taiwan — united against aggression.”
As Dongji Rescue continues its run, it’s clear that cinematic storytelling can bridge the waters of the Taiwan Strait, bringing audiences together to remember and honor their shared past. 🌊❤️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
