Some ask if war film set during Nanjing massacre amounts to ‘hatred education’
Lim Min Zhang
China Correspondent
and Walter Sim
Japan Correspondent
BEIJING/TOKYO — Since it hit the big screen this summer, the Chinese war film Dead To Rights has been playing to packed cinemas, grossing more than 315 million yuan (S$60.3 million).
Set against the backdrop of the 1937 Nanjing massacre, the film tells the story of how a local militia fought Japanese invaders. Film critic Walter Shi felt the depiction of Chinese suffering was so realistic, he had trouble sleeping for days after watching it.
“Hatred education” is how some on social media have described the film’s impact on young people, who already grow up learning about Japanese wartime aggression in school.
More films and other forms of commemoration have been rolled out this year as China marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Beijing says remembrance and education are necessary to keep alive memories of invasion and suffering, so as to guard against a repeat.
But for some, such commemorations have come to serve another purpose— stoking nationalist sentiment and, at times, anti-Japanese feelings that could hinder reconciliation.
Such concerns are not only common in Japan, which has widespread unease over what some call the teaching of “selective history” in China about wartime aggression.
Concerns have also surfaced in China, including among historians and educators, who warn about risks of fueling hatred, and renewed diplomatic tensions with Japan, especially as films, drama series, commemorative exhibitions, and social media discussions over the war have multiplied.
On Aug 15, Japan marked the 80th anniversary of its surrender with ceremonies led by Emperor Naruhito, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and bereaved family members. In China, remembrance has centered on the so-called "Victory Day" observed by state media, with Deputy Communist Party Secretary Wang Huning appearing at the National Museum of China for related exhibitions.
“Commemorating the 80th anniversary is necessary and meaningful. What matters most is how we remember the history and avoid letting fresh wounds be inflicted,” said Professor Shi Yinhong from Renmin University.
He noted that historical wounds linger long after wars, especially those fought within living memory, but ultimately, “we need Japan to face up to its past.”
Popular war film Dead To Rights has sparked concern that some school visits to its exhibitions foster hatred.
(Shows photo caption of children posed in front of the film poster.)
A wave of online videos mocking Japan’s imperial family has also sparked debate. In May, an animated short mocking Emperor Hirohito drew millions of views. Some argue such content deepens misunderstanding, but the debate continues.
In contrast, Japan’s current administration emphasizes reconciliation. Prime Minister Kishida has repeatedly expressed “deep remorse and heartfelt apology,” but controversy over wartime remembrance remains— especially over textbooks and the narrative taught to younger generations.
Dr. Shun Kawashima, professor at the University of Tokyo, said reconciliation needs further dialogue. “It is crucial for both sides to continue conversations and look for mutual understanding... Otherwise, historical wounds will never heal.”
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