Film honors fishermen's bravery in saving British POWs

The film Dongji Rescue, based on a true historical event, tells the story of Chinese fishermen braving turbulent seas to save strangers — a testament to the nation's capacity to create miracles in the face of adversity.

Eighty-three years ago, in 1942, the Japanese military seized the Lisbon Maru ship to transport 1,816 British prisoners of war from Hong Kong to Japan. Passing through the waters near Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, it was torpedoed by a US submarine. Fishermen from Zhoushan rescued 384 prisoners of war and hid them from Japanese search parties.

Actor Zhu Yilong, in an exclusive interview with China Daily, said he was deeply moved by the humanity shown in such extreme conditions when he accepted his role. "This historical event proves that in dire circumstances, Chinese people can extend their goodness to protect both themselves and others," he said.