Dong Ji Dao

The selfless love of the Chinese people is truly moving . Long live the unity of the people of the world! Real heroism means seeing clearly the suffering and responsibility ahead and still choosing to save others. I really hope the whole world learns about these brave acts of the Chinese people.

Ps : The actor playing A'bi was incredible! That scene where he said goodbye to his dead younger brother was absolutely heartbreaking!

Before watching Dongji Rescue,I re-watched the documentary The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru-a movie I highly recommend. It deepened my appreciation for the film's historical weight and emotional stakes.

Walking out of the theater, I was left with a quiet, overwhelming feeling. This is a film that demands to be seen on the big screen. It's not a fleeting spectacle but a visceral, textured experience. The visual effects are stunning, immersing you in moments so intense they make your heart race and your fists clench. The pacing is relentless, with conflicts erupting one after another, each hitting like a gut punch. There were scenes where I found myself holding my breath, tears pricking at my eyes.

What truly anchored the film for me were its characters. The director's portrayal of the "pirate brothers"-Adang (played by Wu Lei) and Abi (Zhu Yilong)-is masterful. Their dynamic serves as a thread that weaves the harrowing true story of the Lisbon Maru sinking into the narrative. Both actors deliver raw, nuanced performances, embodying the fear, resolve, and quiet heroism of countless Dongji Island fishermen from that era.

But the film's strength lies in its ensemble. Every character feels alive-flawed, human, and unforgettable. You see their terror and hesitation, yet also their courage and defiance. The director captures the grit and glory of ordinary people pushed to extraordinary acts, refusing to reduce them to mere background figures.

Some have compared this to Nanjing! Nanjing!, but I see no need for such rivalry. Both films are powerful, worthy of theaters, and offer distinct lenses into history. To pit one against the other feels unnecessary.

Ultimately, Dongji Rescue succeeds in its simplest, most profound goal: ensuring this chapter of history is seen, felt, and remembered. For that alone, it's a triumph.

Dongji Rescue is a well-crafted production with compelling performances, striking visuals and music, and a clear, engaging narrative. It serves as a cultural message from China to the international community, offering a perspective that differs from the more familiar Western narratives. By focusing on the compassion and solidarity shown by ordinary Chinese people, the film combines emotional impact with historical depth. It is a work I would definitely recommend, especially to international audiences, for both its artistic quality and historical significance.

Dongji Island or Dong Ji Rescue is more than an action-packed war drama - it's a haunting reminder of the darkness that conflict casts over ordinary lives, and a moving tribute to the human spirit that transcends borders. The film does not shy away from showing the cruelty, fear, and moral compromises that war breeds, yet it balances these with moments of compassion, solidarity, and sacrifice that feel profoundly real.

The cinematography is stunning, capturing both the stark brutality of battle and the fragile beauty of the sea. Performances are deeply affecting, with each character embodying the complex choices people must make when survival and morality collide. Most striking is how the story reaches beyond national identity, showing that courage and kindness can unite people even in the most divided times.

In the end, Dongji Island leaves you with both the weight of history and the enduring belief that, even in the darkest hours, the light of humanity can shine through. This is a war film with a soul - and it deserves to be seen.

I would recommend everyone to watch this movie. I was very moved by this movie, which exposes an unknown history. On this sea, both the Chinese and the British have shown solidarity and tenacity. It's the embodiment of internationalism. I am very happy to have such a movie in this era. On top of that, the picture and sound of the movie are undeniably good, making it perfect to watch in the cinema.