This is an unforgettable story and the folks at PBS did a fine job pulling the story together. However, I should warn you--you might want to have some Kleenex handy as you watch--it's a pretty moving documentary.
Chiune Sugihara was a Japanese diplomat who was responsible for saving the lives of thousands of Jews during WWII. However, instead of just throwing this information at the viewer, the film looks at the context---to help you understand the Japanese attitude towards Jews as well as what Sugihara was like as a person. The film does an excellent job on both accounts and paints a picture of a truly decent man who risked so much to try to save as many people as he could. Well crafted and moving.
By the way, a very, very similar story occurred during WWII with a German diplomat. While Nanking was being destroyed by Japanese troops and its people liquidated, Georg Rosen risked the wrath of his Nazi government by leading an international effort to save thousands of Chinese. Both stories are wonderful examples of people who had every reason to do nothing but chose to risk everything to do that which is right. Oddly, Rosen't case wasn't mentioned in the Sugihara film.
Chiune Sugihara was a Japanese diplomat who was responsible for saving the lives of thousands of Jews during WWII. However, instead of just throwing this information at the viewer, the film looks at the context---to help you understand the Japanese attitude towards Jews as well as what Sugihara was like as a person. The film does an excellent job on both accounts and paints a picture of a truly decent man who risked so much to try to save as many people as he could. Well crafted and moving.
By the way, a very, very similar story occurred during WWII with a German diplomat. While Nanking was being destroyed by Japanese troops and its people liquidated, Georg Rosen risked the wrath of his Nazi government by leading an international effort to save thousands of Chinese. Both stories are wonderful examples of people who had every reason to do nothing but chose to risk everything to do that which is right. Oddly, Rosen't case wasn't mentioned in the Sugihara film.