Core Viewpoint - The new book "The Wind of the People Sweeps Me: Anti-Fascist Poetry Selection by International Poets" commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's liberation, highlighting the shared historical and cultural values between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait [1][2]. Group 1 - The book is a Taiwanese edition of the 2015 publication "Spain in the Heart: Anti-Fascist Poetry Selection," featuring works from five poets, including Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda and Cuban poet Nicolás Guillén, translated by Zhao Zhenjiang [1]. - The poetry reflects the experiences of international brigades that fought alongside Spanish citizens against fascism, and some members later joined the fight against Japanese aggression in China [1]. - The book's editor, Zhang Jun-kai, emphasizes the importance of revisiting shared historical values and the role of poetry in documenting and restoring history [1]. Group 2 - Zhao Zhenjiang expressed that the book serves as a tribute to anti-fascist fighters, advocating for the enduring values of fairness, justice, and peace [2]. - Wu Rongyuan, chairman of the Taiwan Labor Party, highlighted the collective mission of the Chinese nation towards common development and prosperity, inviting everyone to participate in this historical narrative [2]. - Xiao Xucen, executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, noted the book's potential to inspire reflections on history and humanity from a literary perspective [2]. - Huang Debei, secretary-general of the Left Alliance, criticized the confusion in historical understanding among some in Taiwan due to anti-China propaganda, calling for a shift towards a better future for Taiwan [2].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War, highlighting the international commemorative activities and Japan's attempts to downplay its historical aggression [1][3][4]. Group 1: Japan's Diplomatic Actions - Japan's government is reportedly urging European and Asian countries to refrain from participating in China's commemorative activities, claiming they overly focus on history and have a strong anti-Japanese sentiment [1][3]. - Japanese media has been closely monitoring China's commemorative events, labeling them as a "historical war" that Japan must confront [3][4]. - The Japanese embassy in China has warned its citizens about rising anti-Japanese sentiment in light of China's commemorative activities [3]. Group 2: International Participation - A significant number of international diplomats, including representatives from 112 embassies and 10 international organizations, have actively participated in China's commemorative events [4]. - Diplomats from various countries expressed the importance of learning from history to prevent repeating past mistakes, emphasizing the significance of China's role in the anti-fascist struggle [4][6]. Group 3: Historical Recognition and Criticism - Experts highlight that Japan's attempts to obstruct participation in China's commemorative activities reflect a failure to confront its historical aggression and a continuation of right-wing revisionism [4][9]. - Criticism from within Japan points to a lack of comprehensive reflection on its wartime actions, with some Japanese intellectuals acknowledging the dangers of distorting historical narratives [7][9]. - The article notes that Japan's actions could undermine the post-war international order, which is based on historical agreements like the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation [9].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of remembering historical events, particularly the atrocities of the Nanjing Massacre, through film and storytelling, highlighting the shared human experience across cultures and the ongoing relevance of anti-fascist narratives in cinema [1][6][7]. Group 1: Historical Context and Personal Reflection - The author reflects on their upbringing in the Changchun Film Studio, where exposure to anti-Japanese war films inspired a generation, including the author, to dream of heroism [3][4]. - The film "Nanjing! Nanjing!" released in 2009 is highlighted as a significant work that addresses the painful history of the Nanjing Massacre, contrasting with earlier heroic portrayals of war [5][6]. Group 2: Impact of "Nanjing! Nanjing!" - "Nanjing! Nanjing!" has received international recognition, being listed among the top 30 war films by Variety, showcasing its global resonance and the universal themes of suffering and resilience [6][7]. - The film's production was marked by emotional challenges for the cast and crew, as they grappled with the heavy historical realities depicted, leading to a profound impact on their mental well-being [5][6]. Group 3: Broader Anti-Fascist Cinema - The article notes that from 1940 to 1945, approximately 300 anti-fascist films were produced, with over 1,300 films created globally on this theme, indicating a sustained interest in documenting and reflecting on the consequences of war [7]. - The author mentions personal experiences with international actors, emphasizing the collective responsibility to tell these stories, regardless of geographical boundaries [7][8]. Group 4: Legacy and Memory - The narrative stresses the importance of preserving memories of historical events, as the last survivors of the Nanjing Massacre are aging, and their stories must be recorded for future generations [9]. - The author concludes with a call to action to remember and love, echoing sentiments shared by historical figures who documented the Chinese resistance during the war [9].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the life and contributions of Xian Xinghai, emphasizing his role as a musician who used music as a weapon for national resistance during the Anti-Japanese War, particularly through his iconic work "Yellow River Cantata" [1][3][5]. Group 1: Background and Early Life - Xian Xinghai was born on June 13, 1905, in a poor family in Macau and studied music at various institutions including Lingnan University and the National Music Academy in Shanghai [3]. - He developed a deep sympathy for the working class and questioned the purpose of music, advocating for music that serves the common people rather than the elite [3]. Group 2: Involvement in Anti-Japanese War - After returning to China in 1935, Xian joined the Shanghai Drama Association's anti-Japanese efforts and participated in a series of performances to promote national resistance [5]. - Following the outbreak of the full-scale war, he organized mass singing movements and created numerous anti-Japanese songs, with "To the Enemy's Rear" being one of the most popular [5][7]. Group 3: Creation of "Yellow River Cantata" - Inspired by the poem "Yellow River Ode," Xian composed "Yellow River Cantata" over six days and nights during the Wuhan Campaign, which became a powerful anthem for the Chinese people's resistance [7][9]. - The cantata premiered in April 1939 and was met with strong acclaim, symbolizing the collective spirit of the Chinese people during the war [9]. Group 4: Later Life and Legacy - In 1940, Xian participated in the production of a documentary in Moscow and later integrated Kazakh musical elements into his works while in Kazakhstan [11]. - He passed away in Moscow in 1945, and his contributions were honored in both China and Kazakhstan, with a street named after him in Almaty, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations [13].

Group 1 - The film "Nanjing Photo Studio" aims to connect historical events with contemporary society, emphasizing the importance of historical narratives in the context of information overload today [1][2] - The film focuses on the cultural and propaganda aspects of the Japanese invasion, highlighting the cultural plunder and the struggle for narrative control during that period [2][3] - The creators emphasize the need for historical accuracy and artistic integrity, aiming to avoid historical nihilism and ensure that the film serves as a living history textbook [2][3] Group 2 - The film's theme revolves around "remembering history and self-strengthening," with a strong emphasis on unity among the Chinese people during the 14-year war against invasion [3] - "Nanjing Photo Studio" is set to be released in multiple countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada, aiming to raise awareness of the anti-fascist struggle as a universal human aspiration for peace [3]

Core Viewpoint - The China National Theatre is launching a series of performances focused on anti-fascist and red-themed narratives to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, which have received positive audience reception [1][2]. Group 1: Performance Highlights - The play "Red Starting Point" uses unique narrative techniques to vividly portray the great journey of the founding of the Communist Party of China [1]. - "Sanwan, That Night" artistically reenacts the historical event of the "Sanwan Reorganization," explaining concepts such as "the Party commands the gun" and "equality between officers and soldiers" [1]. - "Iron Flow Eastward" is based on the novel "The Last Radio Wave," showcasing the lesser-known battle history of the New Fourth Army's communication soldiers, highlighting their ordinary yet heroic qualities [1]. - "Art in the War of Resistance" reflects the struggles and pursuits of patriotic artists seeking a path for artistic salvation, integrating historical footage into the performance [1]. - "Live Broadcast of the Founding Ceremony" combines a tense narrative with minimalist visual design and real-time filming technology to tell the story behind the founding ceremony [1]. Group 2: Audience Reception and Impact - Recent red-themed performances have been well-received, with all tickets for "Iron Flow Eastward" sold out and "Red Starting Point" nearly sold out [2]. - The classic play "Copenhagen" continues to attract audiences with its unique logical structure and character portrayal, remaining popular for over 20 years [2]. - The revival of "No Burial Place" presents the choices faced by captured French resistance fighters on the eve of World War II victory, featuring a new cast [2]. - The president of the China National Theatre, Tian Qinxin, emphasized the diverse themes and styles of the series, aiming to resonate with contemporary audiences and illuminate the path forward with the spirit of the nation's historical struggles [2].

Core Viewpoint - The China National Theatre is launching a series of performances to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War, featuring eight plays from June to October, highlighting historical and cultural themes related to the war [1][2]. Group 1: Performance Details - Eight plays will be staged, including "Iron Flow East," "The Red Starting Point," "Copenhagen," "The Physicists," "That Night in Sanwan," "No Burial Place," "Live Broadcast of the Founding Ceremony," and "Art in the Anti-Japanese War" [1][2]. - "Art in the Anti-Japanese War" is a documentary play that chronicles the 14-year journey of literary figures during the war, emphasizing the role of art in resisting foreign invasion [1]. - "Copenhagen," directed by Wang Xiaoying, explores the dialogue between Heisenberg, Bohr, and Margrethe, discussing the complexities of science, war, and humanity, and has been well-received for over 22 years [1]. - "No Burial Place," directed by Zha Mingzhe, presents the moral dilemmas faced by captured French resistance fighters during WWII, questioning human nature under extreme circumstances [1]. - "The Physicists," originally staged in 2008, will be reimagined with contemporary emotional elements and innovative stage design [1]. Group 2: Thematic Focus - "Iron Flow East," directed by the young director Cha Wenhao, focuses on the heroic struggles of the New Fourth Army's communication soldiers, linking their sacrifices to a broader narrative of camaraderie [2]. - "The Red Starting Point," based on Ye Yonglie's documentary work, reconstructs the historical events from 1919 to 1921, showcasing the founding journey of the Communist Party of China through a contemporary aesthetic lens [2]. - "That Night in Sanwan" artistically reinterprets the "Sanwan Reorganization," emphasizing fundamental principles that shape the soul of the people's army [2]. - "Live Broadcast of the Founding Ceremony," directed by Tian Qinxin, combines elements of espionage and suspense, set against the backdrop of the 1949 founding ceremony, with innovative stage design that merges historical context with dramatic narrative [2]. - Tian Qinxin, the director of the China National Theatre, stated that these performances not only pay tribute to the great victory achieved through bloodshed but also reflect the cultural responsibility of artists in responding to contemporary issues [2].