The summer blockbusters “Dongjidao” is currently showing in cinemas. The film tells a story in 1942 when a ship carrying British prisoners of war was hit by a submarine near the Zhoushan Islands. Over a thousand prisoners were trapped inside the sinking ship and their lives were at stake. In this critical moment, fishermen from Dongjidao Island, regardless of the strong winds and high waves as well as their own safety, resolutely ventured into the deep sea to rescue people. Recently, an article reviewing the relevant historical events was published on the BBC website with the title of “His life was attributed to Chinese fishermen: Dongjidao rescue and a forgotten heroism during World War II.”
Screenshot from BBC website
According to the article, during the sinking of the British prisoners of war ship “Lisbon Maru”, some prisoners organized an escape but were shot at by Japanese forces. Chinese fishermen from nearby islands extended their help and saved 384 people from the sea. This real event has inspired two film works: the documentary “The sinking of the Lisbon Maru” and the film “Dongjidao”.
Screenshot from BBC website
The article stated that the documentary “The sinking of the Lisbon Maru” spent nearly ten years researching and producing. Apart from collecting oral histories, the director also visited the families of both deceased and surviving British prisoners of war involved in the sinking event. Three survivors – William Benningfield, Dennis Molley and the last Chinese rescuer, Lin Agengen – all passed away before the film was released. According to Dennis Molley’s recollection, the British prisoners managed to overcome the Japanese guards left on the ship but were then shot at by Japanese vessels nearby. “They were having a good time,” said Dennis Molley, “and we became living targets.” The rescue then came from a fleet of Chinese fishing boats from nearby islands in the Zhoushan archipelago – after discovering the victims in the sea, Chinese fishermen successfully rescued 384 British soldiers.
The article said that this real story and the rescue feat of Chinese fishermen behind it have evoked a deep resonance among Chinese audiences. Brian Finch, military history consultant and producer of the documentary “The sinking of the Lisbon Maru”, said, “This is indeed an extraordinary act of bravery by the Chinese people.” Brian Finch believed that this history is unknown to many perhaps due to the humble and introverted characters of both parties who do not like self-promotion.
The article concludes by saying that the film “Dongjidao” will be released in Britain and the United States on August 22nd, while the documentary “The sinking of the Lisbon Maru” is currently being broadcast on Odyssey Chinese Film Channel in Britain to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of China’s War of Resistance against Japan and the World Anti-Fascist War.