Black Sun: The Nanking Massacre (1994)

Black Sun: The Nanking Massacre, (1994, Hong Kong) a sad and disturbing docu-drama, directed by Mou Tun Fei. The film dramatizes how the Japanese brutally treated the people of China's capital city Nan King in December, 1937 after they captured it (This is three years before Pearl Harbor) For greater authenticity, the film uses actual black and white film footage and photos taken at the time (by the Japanese for propaganda purposes). Some of these photographers are also depicted in the drama, as well as other historical figures involved with the conflict. We see many disturbing atrocities showing Chinese police executed and beheaded, women raped and beheaded with their heads lined up on the street, dogs coming to chew on dead bodies left to rot in the street. A baby is killed alive by being thrown into boiling water. Still, the Chinese people resist, and this film shows some of their strategies. One father explains to his son how to hide. Many are killed, including Buddhist monks who are shot on the spot even after surrendering. A pregnant woman has her stomach cut open and the baby is pulled out and killed right in front on her and her family. Though a bit disturbing at times, the film shows what these officers were capable of and how bloodthirsty they were. At the time the film came out, it was criticized for its violence. But today's modern audience might be able to handle it if they have seen slasher films like "Saw", Quentin Tarantino films or Mel Gibson films where heads get blown off and other mutilations occur. The film is available on DVD/ "Netflix". I could probably think of some other films, but this one I just saw recently.