Nanjing - Memory and Oblivion

In 1932, Japan invaded China. In 1936, China made an attempt to resist occupation. The Japanese armies retorted with a massive punitive campaign. But Nanjing, where the Chinese government had moved, put up a fierce fight. When the city finally fell, Prince Asaka decided to avenge the numerous Japanese deaths. 300.000 Chinese civilians were slaughtered one by one. Today, the 'Nanjing Massacre' lies at the core of the battle of memory currently being waged by China and Japan. This film is exemplary of an instrumentalisation of history for political ends that is highly topical today.