Core Viewpoint - A series of new books are published to help understand the truth about the Anti-Japanese War, particularly focusing on the Battle of Pingxingguan and its historical significance [1][2]. Group 1: Historical Context - The Battle of Pingxingguan was the first major ambush by the Eighth Route Army, which boosted the morale of the Chinese resistance during the war [2]. - The narrative surrounding the battle has been historically misrepresented, with Japanese sources downplaying their losses and mischaracterizing the nature of the engaged forces [1][9]. Group 2: Research and Investigation - The book "Dazhangchang: Field Investigation Notes on Anti-Japanese Resistance" emphasizes the importance of field investigations to clarify historical details and understand the underlying causes of events [3]. - The book includes contributions from over ten professionals, including military scholars and grassroots workers, documenting 14 significant battles [3]. Group 3: Tactical Insights - The ambush at Pingxingguan was strategically planned by Lin Biao, who utilized the terrain effectively to set up a surprise attack against Japanese forces [8]. - The battle showcased the effectiveness of the Eighth Route Army's tactics, including movement warfare and mountain guerrilla warfare, which were honed during previous conflicts [8]. Group 4: Cultural Impact - The publication of these works coincides with the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Anti-Japanese War, highlighting the ongoing need for research and understanding of this historical period [1].

Core Points - The article discusses the historical significance of the "Maji Films," which were secretly filmed by American pastor John Magee during the Nanjing Massacre in 1937, and their role in documenting Japanese atrocities [6][10][19] - The book "Searching for the Maji Films" by Chen Min chronicles the 20-year effort by various individuals to locate and recover these films, highlighting the importance of preserving historical memory [6][20] Group 1: Historical Context - The Maji Films are recognized as one of the most comprehensive pieces of evidence reflecting the atrocities committed by the Japanese military during the Nanjing Massacre, and they are included in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register [6][10] - The films were initially discovered by Zhao Ziping, who, after extensive searches across the United States, located John Magee's son, David Magee, and found the original film reels [8][9] Group 2: Recovery Efforts - Zhao Ziping initiated the search for the Maji Films in 1991, motivated by the need to counter Japanese right-wing narratives regarding the Nanjing Massacre [8][9] - The recovery process involved significant collaboration with various organizations, including the Nanjing Massacre Victims Memorial Hall and the Nanjing Massacre Victims' Association, which played a crucial role in the preservation and dissemination of the films [10][19] Group 3: Film Analysis - The recovered "37-minute version" of the Maji Films contains additional footage not present in the previously available 17-minute version, providing more comprehensive evidence of the events during the Nanjing Massacre [12][16] - The "37-minute version" includes critical scenes that document the suffering of victims and the actions of medical personnel during the massacre, which are vital for historical research and education [16][18] Group 4: Cultural Impact - The efforts to recover the Maji Films have not only contributed to historical documentation but have also fostered a deeper understanding of the human experiences during the Nanjing Massacre, emphasizing the importance of courage and responsibility in preserving historical memory [20] - The book "Searching for the Maji Films" serves as a testament to the dedication of individuals and organizations in safeguarding the truth about the Nanjing Massacre and ensuring that such atrocities are not forgotten [20]