The Battle of China (1944) is a powerful WWII documentary chronicling Japan’s brutal invasion of China, beginning with the 1931 occupation of Manchuria and the full-scale war launched in 1937. The film exposes Japanese war atrocities, including the devastating Nanking Massacre, where tens of thousands of civilians were murdered. Through gripping footage, the documentary highlights China’s unyielding resistance, including guerrilla warfare, industrial relocation, and the largest human migration in history, as millions fled westward to sustain the war effort.
The film also focuses on China’s key military victories, such as the Battle of Changsha, where Chinese forces trapped and destroyed Japanese troops, proving their growing strength. As the war progressed, the United States provided critical support, including the legendary Flying Tigers, who defended China’s skies. The construction of the Ledo Road and the daring "Flying the Hump" missions over the Himalayas ensured the flow of military supplies to China.
The documentary also explores China’s role in the broader Allied strategy, featuring historic meetings between President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Chiang Kai-shek. The film concludes with Madame Chiang Kai-shek’s speech to the U.S. Congress, calling for unity in the fight against Japanese aggression.
As both a wartime propaganda film and historical record, The Battle of China stands as a compelling tribute to China’s resilience, its crucial role in WWII, and its contributions to Japan’s ultimate defeat.