Being a Chinese this documentary moved me in many different ways. The Jewish refugees who were interviewed in this movie viewed the hardship they experienced in the Shanghai Ghetto as positive in general. Even though they were often sick from various diseases because living conditions were poor, and they were often hungry. They appreciated the Chinese spirit, their work ethics, and their ability to survive under the harsh Japanese occupation during the war. Most of all they were grateful to have been able to live in China and were spared the death camps many of their family members were not able to escape. This movie is a testament of the triumph of human spirit over the horrendous adverse conditions and oppression they endured during that turbulent period. All high schools/colleges should show this very well made movie to their students because they can learn so much from watching it. I am so glad I did.
... View MoreThis was an incredible documentary. I was not aware of this part of Jewish History. This was such an interesting story, and so well done. It is emotional at parts and extremley strong. The only thing wrong with this movie is its not long enough. I left wanting to see and know more.
... View MoreMy grandfather was a Jew in Shanghai during the holocaust. I have done a lot of research about the Jews in Shanghai and it is nice to see that this documentary was put together to inform people about this part of history that is not widely known. It is both touching and heartfelt, sad and liberating. I have always wondered exactly why China opened its doors to the Jews. I am thankful for all they did for my grandfather and thousands of other Jews. China's compassion has touched many generations and I feel indebted to the Chinese because of their kindness and understanding. This part of my heritage has sparked an interest for me about China and I will be teaching English there in a few months. I have traveled to China twice and have made many wonderful friends. The first time I went, I had a chance to go to Shanghai and I saw the memorial dedicated to the Jews of Shanghai. That trip is something I will always remember.
... View MoreThe stories of the interviewees were rather banal. (I guess we are too much exposed to a similar kind of testimony films nowadays.) But, more problematic is that the life of Shanghai natives at the time was too lightly handled. The Jews who had been better off moved to Shanghai, and now they talk about the hardship they had to go through there. But to me it seemed that their life was lot better than that of the Chinese who were under Japanese occupation and persecution. Those interviewees all left Shanghai after the war, and lived well off (maybe still worse than they used to in Europe, but). I didn't see why their personal stories are that important in that specific context. If there were more about culturally specific difficulties (of being in Shanghai on the other side of the world) rather than just complaints about heat and hygiene, I would be more appreciative about the film.
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