City of Life and Death

Chinese writer and director Lu Chuan delivered a riveting masterpiece with this devastating film. The 1937 Japanese invasion of the Chinese capital of Nanking and the devastation that followed through the eyes of several characters. The term that "war is hell" is rarely shown which has led to be toned down or used as a backdrop in many films but Chuan gives an unflinching look at what happened at Nanking that killed over 200,000 people. The film is hard to watch because of the atrocities shown that's unimaginable which shows how evil humans can be. Much to his credit Chuan gives a balanced account on the nature of war from both perspective of the Japanese and the Chinese that works on several levels. It's an astounding film that works on both an epic and intimate level at the same time. The film has the look and feel of a documentary which elevates its authenticity. Chuan and his stellar cast and crew created a timeless and unforgettable masterpiece. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.