Overview
A heroic tale of courage amidst chaos, showcasing the power of one man's conviction to save lives.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Graphic
- somber
- harrowing
- morally serious
- historical film study
- serious weekend viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film a compelling and favorable historical drama about humanitarian courage during the Nanjing Massacre, though its overall reception was mixed to positive.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
John Rabe uses his position and influence to protect Chinese civilians despite the actions of the occupying military forces.
The story is organized around the creation and defense of the Nanjing Safety Zone during the massacre.
Its depiction of the Nanjing Massacre provoked opposition from Japanese ultranationalists and became part of public disputes over historical fact.
Rabe is a German businessman in China whose nationality and connection to Nazi-era Germany complicate his humanitarian actions.
Films like John Rabe, and why
Schindler's List
historical humanitarian drama centered on an individual protecting civilians during mass atrocity
The Pianist
serious World War II drama portraying civilian suffering and moral courage amid military violence
Empire of the Sun
historical war drama focused on an outsider navigating occupation and mass violence
Hotel Rwanda
humanitarian wartime drama confronting the consequences of armed conflict and political indifference
Movie Details
- Director
- Florian Gallenberger
- Release Date
- 2009-04-02
- Runtime
- 134 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (132)
Cast
- Ulrich Tukur
- Dagmar Manzel
- Steve Buscemi
- Daniel Brühl
- Zhang Jingchu
- Teruyuki Kagawa
- Anne Consigny
- Gottfried John
- Mathias Herrmann
- Tetta Sugimoto
Common questions
- What is John Rabe about?
- A German businessman transforms his precarious authority into a refuge for Chinese civilians during the Nanjing Massacre.
- What is John Rabe like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of John Rabe as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is John Rabe violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in John Rabe as graphic.
- What did critics think of John Rabe?
- Critics broadly found the film a compelling and favorable historical drama about humanitarian courage during the Nanjing Massacre, though its overall reception was mixed to positive.
- Which films are like John Rabe?
- Films with a similar feel include Schindler's List, The Pianist, Empire of the Sun, and Hotel Rwanda.
- How long is John Rabe?
- John Rabe runs 134 minutes.
