A Haunting True Story: “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” Captivates Audiences and Critics
The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Filmmaker Fang Li’s latest documentary, “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru,” is making waves both domestically and internationally. This powerful and moving film delves into a harrowing chapter of World War II history, chronicling the tragic sinking of a Japanese ship carrying British prisoners of war.
### A Gruesome Chapter of WWII History
In October 1942, the cargo liner Lisbon Maru was torpedoed by the USS Grouper submarine while transporting 1,816 British prisoners of war from Hong Kong to Japan. Japanese forces abandoned the POWs to their fate, even assigning soldiers to shoot any who attempted to escape. Miraculously, some prisoners managed to escape, with 384 rescued by Chinese fishermen near Dongji Island in Zhejiang province.
### Eight Years of Research
Fang Li’s commitment to this project is evident in the eight years and 80 million yuan ($11.2 million) he invested in its production. He and his team meticulously uncovered the story, interviewing descendants and key figures in the United Kingdom, United States, Japan, and China.
### Critical Acclaim and Box Office Success
“The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” has been met with widespread critical acclaim, earning a remarkable 9.3 out of 10 on Douban, the highest-rated documentary on the platform this year. The film’s powerful storytelling and sensitive approach have resonated with audiences, leading to impressive box office success, exceeding 43 million yuan since its debut on September 6th.
### Oscar Hopeful
The film’s success has further propelled its international recognition. Having been selected as China’s submission for the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film category, “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” is poised to take its place on the world stage.
**Experience this powerful and unforgettable story. Watch “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” today.**