Core Viewpoint - The film "Nanjing Photo Studio" serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during the Nanjing Massacre, utilizing real historical evidence to present the truth of this dark chapter in Chinese history [8][9][10]. Group 1: Historical Context - The Nanjing Massacre, marked by the invasion of Japanese troops on December 13, 1937, led to a complete communication blackout, isolating the city and making it a "dead city" [9]. - The film highlights the struggle to disseminate the truth amidst strict censorship, with the National Government's Central News Agency only managing to release a brief report days later [9][10]. Group 2: Personal Narratives - The character of Luo Jin, a 15-year-old apprentice at a photo studio, captures the horror of the massacre when he secretly prints key photographs of the atrocities [10][11]. - The narrative intertwines the fates of ordinary individuals, such as the postman A Chang and the photographer Ito, showcasing their roles in preserving evidence of the crimes [9][11]. Group 3: Symbolism and Locations - The film connects personal stories to significant locations in Nanjing, such as the photo studio and the city walls, emphasizing the contrast between daily life and the surrounding violence [12][13]. - The depiction of the photo studio serves as a microcosm of the city, where personal memories are juxtaposed against the backdrop of national tragedy [12]. Group 4: Artistic Representation of Atrocities - The film employs artistic techniques to portray the brutal realities of the massacre, including scenes of Japanese soldiers engaging in horrific acts, which are based on historical events [14][15]. - The narrative also addresses the manipulation of images by the Japanese military to create a false narrative of peace, revealing the depths of their propaganda efforts [14][15]. Group 5: Preservation of Truth - The film underscores the importance of preserving historical truth, as evidenced by the efforts of individuals who risked their lives to document the atrocities [15][16]. - The conclusion of the film symbolizes the triumph of justice, with the execution of war criminal Gu Shoufu coinciding with the act of capturing the truth through photography [16].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the understanding of historical events, particularly the Nanjing Massacre and the contributions of China and Russia during World War II, among Russian youth, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical truth and cultural exchange between China and Russia [1][2][3][4]. Group 1: Historical Awareness - Many students at the Confucius Institute in Moscow are aware of the Nanjing Massacre, with estimates of around 300,000 deaths during the six-week period following the Japanese invasion [2]. - Students also recognize other historical atrocities, such as the actions of Unit 731 and the "comfort women" issue, indicating a broader understanding of Japan's wartime conduct [3]. - There is concern among students regarding the distortion of historical facts and the denial of contributions made by China and Russia during World War II, with many actively countering such narratives [3][4]. Group 2: Cultural Influence - The Confucius Institute serves as a significant platform for Russian youth to engage with Chinese culture, with students expressing fascination with various aspects, including calligraphy and tea culture [5]. - Chinese pop culture, including music and films, has gained popularity among Russian youth, with artists like Jay Chou and films like "The Battle at Lake Changjin" being particularly well-received [6]. - Social media and video platforms are crucial for Russian youth to explore Chinese culture, with many expressing a desire to study in China, driven by positive perceptions of Sino-Russian relations [7].