Nanking

A very moving study of Japanese atrocities that are slowly gaining attention only in the past few years. By necessity, this isn't as informative as "The Rape of Nanking", but it covers the basic history and a handful of some of the more traumatic anecdotes. Having actors read from letters and memoirs is nothing new in documentaries, but here it's not simply voiceover accompanying footage, but we actually see the actors. I thought it would be jarring but it actually worked out quite well.

I knew nothing about the horror what happened in Nanking. The stories the survivors told were just heart breaking, I could feel their pain. What a horrible thing they've gone through.. Recommendable if you know nothing about this

Interesting approach, using actors to read diaries and historical documents "in character." Some of the interviews with survivors were very emotional.

The documentary producers wisely decided that live dramatization of the rape and massacre surrounding Nanking were near impossible to portray. The sheer scale and insanity of the atrocities is best shown by news reel footage and eyewitnesses. The words of the survivors and the perpetrators are the most powerful moments in this. The actors all do a good job to memorialize the diaries of those who are no longer alive. Not as well done or subtle as Night and Fog but important regardless.