City of Life and Death Poster

City of Life and Death 2009

★ 7.4236 votes132 min📅 2009-04-22

City of Life and Death (2009), directed by Lu Chuan, plunges viewers into the harrowing reality of the 1937 Nanking Massacre during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Director: Lu Chuan

Cast

Liu Ye
Liu Ye
Lu Jianxiong
Gao Yuanyuan
Gao Yuanyuan
Miss Jiang
Hideo Nakaizumi
Hideo Nakaizumi
Kadokawa
John Paisley
John Paisley
John Rabe
Beverly Peckous
Beverly Peckous
Minnie Vautrin
Fan Wei
Fan Wei
Mr. Tang
Qin Lan
Qin Lan
Mrs. Tang
Ryu Kohata
Ryu Kohata
Officer Osamu Ida
Jiang Yiyan
Jiang Yiyan
'Xiao Jiang' Jiang Xiangjun
Yao Di
Yao Di
'May' Zhou Xiaomei

Frequently Asked Questions

What is City of Life and Death (2009) about?

Set during the 1937 Nanking Massacre, the film follows the brutal invasion of Nanjing by the Imperial Japanese Army and its devastating impact on soldiers and civilians alike. Through intertwining stories, it explores themes of survival, morality, and the human cost of war.

Who directed City of Life and Death?

City of Life and Death was directed by Lu Chuan, a filmmaker known for his unflinching depictions of historical struggles and human resilience.

Who stars in City of Life and Death?

The film features standout performances from Liu Ye, Gao Yuanyuan, Hideo Nakaizumi, John Paisley, and Beverly Peckous, each bringing emotional depth to their roles.

Is City of Life and Death (2009) worth watching?

With its stark portrayal of history and strong performances, City of Life and Death (2009) is a compelling watch for fans of war dramas and historical films. Its emotional weight and artistic approach make it a memorable, though difficult, experience.

How long is City of Life and Death?

City of Life and Death (2009) has a runtime of 132 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

City of Life and Death (2009): A Gripping War Drama — Full Movie Info

City of Life and Death (2009), directed by Lu Chuan, plunges viewers into the harrowing reality of the 1937 Nanking Massacre during the Second Sino-Japanese War. This powerful historical drama weaves together the fates of soldiers and civilians caught in the chaos as the Imperial Japanese Army captures Nanjing, revealing the brutal consequences of war through intimate character stories. With a stark, atmospheric tone, the film contrasts the resilience of humanity against the backdrop of unspeakable violence, blending historical weight with deeply personal narratives.

Liu Ye delivers a standout performance as the conflicted Japanese soldier, while Gao Yuanyuan embodies the suffering of a Chinese civilian trapped in the crossfire. The film's deliberate pacing and unflinching portrayal of history make it a haunting meditation on war's moral complexities and the endurance of hope amidst despair.