Review of Nanking (2007) by Andy A — 11 Aug 2009

Though it recalls the little known but eminently important story of what might be considered one of the ultimate atrocities, and does so with a great deal of style and tact (using a number of actors, big and small, to play the voices of true-life historical figures), I couldn't help but get the feeling that the story of Nanking itself was substituted for that of a westernized sideshow, one which, even for all of its good intentions, seemed to lose sight of the true focus.

It pulls at your heartstrings with a few extremely gut-wrenching interviews and footage, but in all it seemed as though it was trying to hard to pull of a "Schindler's List" or "Hotel Rwanda" to be truly effective in the conveyance of its message.

I wouldn't be so harsh as to call it transparent, but it definitely doesn't do justice to Iris Chang's masterpiece.