Shanghai Ghetto (2002)

"whosoever saves a single life = shall be considered to have saved an entire world" the essence of this immortal statement was exemplified by the  'World' created within the little-known  'Shanghai Ghetto' becoming a strangely-miraculous haven-refuge for approximately 20,000 desperate Jews escaping relentless persecution, merciless concentration-camp detention and near certain death at the hands of the Nazis throughout most of Europe, during pitch-black WWII Epoch."Shanghai Ghetto" is a vitally important and historically-essential documentary by Dana Janklowicz-Mann and Amir Mann,  narrated by renowned actor Martin Landau (who passed-away only a few months ago).  Presented-documented mainly thru survivor-testimonials by articulate individuals who were children or teenagers during that late-1930s to mid-1940s time-period in Shanghai.  One of the most ironic aspects of the 'Shanghai Ghetto' is that at the tragic time when most nations of the World turned a blind-eye to Jewish refugees fleeing Hitler's mass-extermination, the 'Shanghai Ghetto' served as an 'under-the-radar' clandestine sanctuary allowing Jews to be covertly 'accepted' with no Visa, or legal documents necessary for entry. Once safely inside these Jews attempted to re-create a small degree of normalcy.As witnessed in this documentary, the basics of food, medicine, clean-water were scarce for both Jews and the average Chinese citizens living in Shanghai at the time suffering similar shared-hardships together. It is also quite important to note that the Jewish survivors interviewed make it clear they felt little to no degree of anti-Semitism living among the Chinese residents of Shanghai, and that many Jewish children quickly bonded with the Chinese children living in Shanghai.The most intriguing aspect is that this unlikely enclave of Jewish refuge/sanctuary was not specifically 'planned' or directly-sanctioned by any government.  It seemed to simply 'come-together' thru a miraculous combination of fortuitous unplanned events. Even though imperial-Japan was militarily 'in-charge' of the area which became the 'Shanghai Ghetto' situated in Hongkou District, Japanese administrators surprisingly did not specifically target Jews (i.e. even though allied with Axis-Germany, Japan did not stringently adhere to Nazi plans).The saddest part of the entire documentary is revealed towards finale, when the Jewish survivors of Shanghai recall soon after the end of WWII, first hearing about the near complete destruction the Holocaust had inflicted on the Jewish populations of Europe i.e. how nearly all their relatives (hailing from Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Ukraine/ Russia, et al) had been lost/murdered in the Shoah.  Ultimately reflecting that the 'Shanghai Ghetto' which seemed quite miserable at first glance,  in actuality proved to be a 'paradise' by providing the simple gift of Life.

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.

"Shanghai Ghetto" might sound boring at first glance: it is a ninety minute documentary.But this film is so heavily emotional, it is so chilling and thought provoking, that it makes "Schindler's List" seem trivial.The story is told simply enough. Narration is used when needed, but the majority of the movie is told by the very people who were there, the very Jews who escaped Hitler's tyranny by fleeing to Shanghai.The survivors of the Shanghai Ghetto are all remarkable. They are excellent story tellers and they are able to give the audience a lot of details. The movie also does an excellent job of providing relevant visuals as they speak, so that what you hear you also see.The thing that makes this film stand out above other Holocaust films is the combination of historical footage and eyewitness accounts. "Schindler's List" was an amazing film, but the viewer could still remain blissfully detached because we never heard an eyewitness account. But in "Shanghai Ghetto," the eyewitness testimonials give you no choice but to be personally involved.I walked out of this film feeling overcome with emotion. In the car on the way home, I made myself promise to never allow a crime like the Holocaust to be perpetrated on humanity again. It is quite rare that I feel this emotional after seeing a movie, but "Shanghai Ghetto" is simply amazing.

My 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.