The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru: China’s Historic Oscar Hope

In a groundbreaking move, China has chosen to submit “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru,” a compelling World War II documentary directed by Fang Li, as its entry for the prestigious 97th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. This selection marks a significant moment in Oscars history, as it is the first time since 1979 that China has opted for a documentary over a traditional narrative film. Beyond its status as a cinematic nomination, the film reflects a rising wave of nationalistic sentiment that resonates strongly within China, offering a glimpse into a rarely discussed facet of history that deserves recognition on the world stage.

Full Review

At its core, “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” resurrects a chilling episode from 1942 during World War II, when an unmarked Japanese troop ship met a tragic fate. The Lisbon Maru, utilized to transport prisoners of war, was torpedoed by the U.S. Navy. This event resulted in the heartbreaking loss of over 800 British soldiers, who perished either from drowning or from the gunfire of Japanese soldiers as the ship sank.

However, the narrative extends beyond mere tragedy; it showcases the bravery of approximately 380 British POWs who were saved by local Chinese fishermen. These fishermen, risking their own lives, undertook a daring rescue to protect the prisoners from impending danger, illuminating a powerful story of heroism and sacrifice. Through this lens, the film captures the emotional core that threads together the past and present, forging a connection to the humanity that transcends national borders.

Fang Li, the visionary director and producer, displays extensive dedication in bringing this poignant story to life. With a background as an ocean surveyor, he embarked on an extensive journey across multiple continents, including China, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, and Canada. His relentless pursuit involved tracking down surviving POWs or their families, a quest that has resulted in over 130 interviews and thousands of historical photographs enriching the documentary’s narrative.

Among the voices featured in the film is the last known surviving Chinese fisherman who participated in the rescue mission, offering a personal testament to courage in the face of overwhelming odds. His unique story, along with insights from pioneering historians who have delved deeply into this incident, adds layers of authenticity and depth, making the film a rich tapestry of history.

Since its domestic release on September 6, “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” has captured the hearts of audiences across China, transforming into a word-of-mouth sensation. With outstanding ratings of 9.3 on Douban and a remarkable 9.6 on Maoyan, it emphasizes the film’s strong resonance within its home country. Financially, the film has grossed approximately $5 million in Chinese cinemas—an impressive figure that stands out in the context of documentaries in China, which typically perform modestly.

Looking at the broader context of Chinese cinema’s interaction with the Oscars, the road has been challenging. In the past quarter-century, China has seen only two nominations in the Best International Film category. Renowned director Zhang Yimou first put China on the Oscars map in 1990 with his film “Ju Dou,” followed by another nomination with “Hero” in 2002. Yet, despite these nominations, no Chinese film has ever walked away with the coveted Oscar.

Conclusion

The selection of “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” not only signifies a bold step for China in its centennial journey to the Oscars but also underscores a broader narrative about national pride and remembrance. As the film delicately balances the harsh truths of war with the heroism of ordinary people, it serves as a reminder of history’s lessons and the universal themes of sacrifice and bravery. The anticipation surrounding this documentary will surely fuel discussions around its impact not only on the Oscars stage but in the hearts of viewers worldwide. As more audiences tune in, either in theaters or as it becomes available on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Hotstar, and Zee5, its legacy appears poised to grow.