A Historic Selection for the Oscars
China has officially chosen The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru, a powerful World War II documentary directed by Fang Li, as its entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. This marks a significant moment in Oscar history, as it is the first time China has submitted a documentary since it began participating in the awards in 1979. The choice aligns with China’s trend of selecting films that evoke nationalistic pride.
Resurrecting a Hidden Chapter of History
The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru brings to light a lesser-known incident from 1942 during World War II. The film recounts the tragic sinking of a Japanese transport ship, the Lisbon Maru, which was torpedoed by the U.S. Navy while carrying British prisoners of war. Over 800 British troops lost their lives as the ship sank, either by drowning or from Japanese gunfire. However, nearly 380 POWs were saved by courageous local Chinese fishermen who risked their lives to rescue and protect them from the Japanese forces.
The Director’s Dedication to the Story
Director Fang Li, who has an extensive background in the Chinese film industry and experience as an ocean surveyor, dedicated significant time to uncovering the story of the Lisbon Maru. He traveled across multiple countries, including China, the UK, Japan, the U.S., and Canada, to interview survivors and their families. Throughout this journey, he engaged with over 130 descendants and amassed tens of thousands of historical photographs to enhance the narrative. The film also features testimonies from the only known living Chinese fisherman involved in the rescue and the first historian to conduct in-depth research on the event.
Success in Chinese Cinemas
Since its release on September 6, The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru has gained substantial acclaim in China, achieving remarkable user ratings of 9.3 on Douban and 9.6 on the ticketing app Maoyan. The film has grossed approximately $5 million at the Chinese box office, a strong performance for a documentary in the region, indicating its resonance with audiences.
China’s Oscar Journey
In the 25 years since China began competing in the Oscars, it has received nominations for Best International Film twice. The first nomination came in 1990 with Zhang Yimou’s Ju Dou, followed by another nomination for the Wuxia classic Hero in 2002. Despite these nominations, no Chinese film has yet won an Oscar, making this year’s selection particularly noteworthy.
Conclusion
The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru not only sheds light on an under-documented event from World War II but also highlights the bravery of ordinary individuals during wartime. As it heads to the Oscars, the film represents not only a significant chapter in history but also the potential for recognition on an international stage.
