Twenty Two is a 2015 documentary film that tells the story of 22 Chinese women who were forced to become sex slaves by the Japanese Army during World War II. Directed by Guo Ke, the film features interviews with the surviving women, who recount their harrowing experiences and reveal the lasting trauma of their captivity. The film opens with a series of stark, black and white images of the women, now in their 80s and 90s, going about their daily lives in modern-day China. Each woman is introduced by name and age, and we are given a brief glimpse into their past through still photographs and archival footage from the war. The film then follows each woman as she describes the details of her captivity, from the moment she was taken from her home to the day she was finally released.
While the women's stories differ in some respects, they all share a common thread of suffering and exploitation. We hear about women who were drugged and raped repeatedly, women who were forced to perform sexual acts in front of groups of soldiers, and women who were subject to medical experiments and torture. For many of the women, the psychological trauma of their captivity has been as devastating as the physical abuse they endured, leading to a lifetime of shame and isolation.
One of the key themes of the film is the importance of memory and remembrance. Many of the women speak of the difficulty they have had in coming to terms with their past, as well as the reticence of society at large to acknowledge and address the issue of wartime sexual slavery. We hear from activists and survivors who have fought for recognition and reparations for the victims, and see how the women have come together to support one another and share their stories.
Despite the heavy subject matter, Twenty Two is a beautifully crafted film that presents its subjects with dignity and compassion. The director wisely allows the women to speak for themselves, without inserting his own commentary or interpretation. The result is a moving and powerful documentary that honors the courage and resilience of these remarkable women.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is the contrast between the women's current lives and the horrors they endured during the war. We see them leading quiet, ordinary lives, cooking meals, tending to their families, and enjoying simple pleasures like singing and dancing. Yet beneath the surface, we sense the deep scars left by their past trauma, and the ongoing struggle to find closure and peace.
Throughout the film, we are reminded of the importance of remembering the past, even when it is painful and difficult. The women of Twenty Two have lived through some of the darkest moments of human history, and their stories are a reminder of the terrible toll that war and violence can take on ordinary people. But they are also a testament to the human spirit, and the capacity for resilience and hope in the face of unimaginable suffering.
Overall, Twenty Two is an exceptional documentary that sheds light on a little-known chapter of World War II history, and honors the courage and resilience of its subjects. The film is a powerful reminder of the importance of bearing witness to the past, and the ongoing struggle to heal from the wounds of war. As one of the surviving women says in the film, "I hope our story can be remembered forever, so it never happens again."
