“John Rabe” opens in New York City, more cities to follow

Based on a true story, “John Rabe” tells the epic story of the German businessman who rescued more than 200,000 civilians during the “The Rape of Nanking” in China. On December 13, 1937, the Nanking Massacre started and lasted for about eight weeks as thousands of prisoners of war and civilians were murdered by the Japanese soldiers, and women and children were raped.

While the Imperial Japanese Army unleashes a wave of brutality on the civilian population, Rabe and his comrades courageously and skillfully negotiate with the Japanese and wrest a guarantee for a safety zone from them. Hundreds of thousands pour into the zone – much more than expected. However, the Japanese continue to harass and attack the population, and it becomes more and more difficult to get supplies. A race against time begins as the Japanese plan to storm the zone.

Starring: Ulrich Tukur (John Rabe), Daniel Brühl (Dr. Georg Rosen), Steve Buscemi (Dr. Robert Wilson), Anne Consigny (Valérie Dupres), Dagmar Manzel (Dora Rabe) and Jingchu Zhang (Langshu).

Directed and written by winner Florian Gallenberger, who won the 2001 Live Action Short Academy Award for “Quiero ser (I want to be …)”.

Drawing from John Rabe’s 1937 diaries as source material, Gallenberger has crafted a portrait of a man revered as a saint in China to this day – yet never rewarded for his courage during his lifetime.

Running Time: 134 minutes; Not Rated; Strand Releasing opens “John Rabe” in New York City on May 21st and in Los Angeles on June 4th before coming to additional markets.

2009 Berlin Film Festival Official Selection

2009 German Film Academy Award Winner: Best Film, Best Actor, Best Costume and Best Production Design

For additional information, please visit the German website of the film.

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