Wartime has brought so many amazing and heartbreaking stories. Those put-on film have a mixed bag to how well they are able to capture the essence of the historical significance and impact of the story itself. The latest, Donji Rescue also released as Rescue at Dongji stars ZHU Yilong, WU Lei, NI Ni, YANG Haoyu, CHEN Minghao, William Franklyn-Miller, NI Dahong, LI Jiuxiao, and WANG Yiquan from directors Guan Hu and Fei Zhen Xiang.

 

Rescue at Dongji follows the Japanese troopship, Lisbon Maru, that is torpedoed off the coast of Dongji Island, leaving the lives of over 300 British soldiers onboard threatened. Their only hope is a small group of defiant fishermen who will do anything to save them.

 

The story here is based on the real-life rescue of British soldiers in 1942 that in and of itself is impressive. The film has crafted a great story that doesn’t get bogged down with too much extra nonsense and instead just enough of the narrative to thrust the audience directly into the war situation. The initial focus outside of the people on Dongji and their plight with the Japanese, is of two brothers who are a part of the sea as much as any fisherman can be outside of being and actual mermaid.

 

There are so many beautiful and horrific moments using the ocean. When spending time with the two brothers you get the true sense of their relationship and ability to navigate above and below the water which is important for the rest of the film. Once it gets into the meat of the story it is almost nonstop as it leads to the final act that is intense, violent and perfectly shot. I found some elements to drag a bit prior to the final act with some moments feeling slower than necessary but always finding its way back on track.

 

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