The victory in World War II was achieved through the collective efforts of peace-loving people worldwide. In every corner of the globe, some sacrificed their lives to resist fascist tyranny. This time, let us explore anti-fascist films from around the world and appreciate the brilliance of humanity shining through the war-torn era!
Dead To Rights
- Directed by Chinese director Shen Ao, released in 2025
In December 1937, Nanjing fell. During its darkest hours, Jixiang Photo Studio became a refuge for a group of ordinary people. Ah Chang, a postal worker who escaped the chaos of war, was mistaken by a Japanese military photographer as an employee of the studio and forced to develop film. During the development process, photographs documenting the atrocities of the Japanese army's massacre gradually emerged, revealing the tragic deaths of countless lives in Nanjing and the destruction of innumerable families. Ultimately, Ah Chang and the studio owner, Jin, paid with their lives to preserve the true memory of this history.
Hacksaw Ridge
- Directed by American director Mel Gibson, released in 2016
Adapted from the true story of World War II Army medic Desmond Doss. In the film, Desmond refuses to carry a weapon or kill anyone on the front lines, and his commitment to peace leads to ostracism by fellow soldiers. Despite this, he holds firm to his beliefs and principles. In 1945, Desmond accompanies his unit to Okinawa, where the Battle of Hacksaw Ridge results in heavy American casualties. Braving relentless gunfire, he single-handedly saves 75 wounded comrades, miraculously carrying them to safety.
The Pianist
- Directed by French director Roman Polanski, released in 2002
As talented pianist Władysław Szpilman performs Chopin's "Nocturne" at Warsaw Radio, Nazi bombs fall, and Poland is occupied. Szpilman and his family are forced into the Jewish ghetto, where he witnesses arbitrary executions, starvation, and humiliation, struggling to survive in the ruins. After the failed Warsaw Uprising in 1944, the city lay in ruins. Near death, Szpilman is discovered in his hiding place by German officer Wilm Hosenfeld. Upon learning he is a pianist, the officer spares him. Szpilman plays a fractured rendition of Chopin's "Ballade No. 1," touching the officer's humanity, and Hosenfeld provides him with food until the German retreat. The film ends with Szpilman regaining his freedom, while his benefactor Hosenfeld dies in a Soviet prisoner-of-war camp.
Saving Private Ryan
- Directed by American director Steven Spielberg, released in 1998
The film opens with the Normandy landings, featuring a 27-minute bloody beach assault hailed as one of the most realistic depictions of war in cinematic history. The story centers on Captain Miller leading an eight-man squad deep behind enemy lines to find James Ryan, a paratrooper granted permission to return home after his three brothers are killed in action. The squad initially questions the mission's value—"eight lives for one"—but gradually comes to understand its symbolic humanitarian spirit. In a fierce battle to defend a bridge, nearly the entire squad sacrifices themselves, and Ryan is successfully rescued, forever remembering the debt owed to those who gave their lives for him.
Life Is Beautiful
- Directed by Italian director Roberto Benigni, released in 1997
Jewish youth Guido wins the heart of his beloved Dora with humor and passion, and they build a warm family life with their son, Joshua. In 1944, as Nazi persecution of Jews intensified, Guido and Joshua were forcibly sent to a concentration camp. To protect his son from the trauma of war, Guido fabricates an elaborate "game" where participants earn points to win a tank, using exaggerated performances to mask the camp's horrors. In the end, Guido is killed by the Nazis while searching for Dora, but until his last moment, he maintains the charade with a comical walk, signaling to his son to "keep playing the game."
Schindler's List
- Directed by American director Steven Spielberg, released in 1993
In 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Oskar Schindler, a wealthy German businessman, operates a factory supplying the Nazi army. As the Nazis escalate their persecution of Jews, Schindler's conscience awakens. He begins bribing officers at great personal cost, protecting his workers under the pretext of "essential war production." He compiles a list of 1,200 "essential" workers and relocates them to his hometown factory for safety. These workers avoid deportation to concentration camps by working for Schindler. By the war's end, Schindler is bankrupt. The rescued Jews collectively present him with a ring engraved, "Whoever saves one life saves the world entire," in gratitude for his righteousness.
The Fall of Berlin
- Directed by Soviet director Mikhail Chiaureli, released in 1950
By the end of March 1945, World War II was nearing its conclusion, and German fascism was on the brink of collapse. With the support of anti-fascist forces in Eastern Europe, the Soviet army decimated large numbers of German troops, captured eastern Germany, and created conditions for the assault on Berlin. Though the German army was exhausted, Hitler continued to resist desperately. After days of intense fighting, the Soviet army broke through three layers of German defenses and approached the Berlin defensive perimeter. Eventually, German forces ceased resistance, marking the end of the Battle of Berlin.
Journalist's View | What makes a movie an outstanding anti-fascist film?
By Darius
We have seen many World War II-themed movies, but not every film in this category can be called an anti-fascist film. In terms of classic WWII films, we have the humorous La Grande Vadrouille; in terms of cinematic tension, we have Quentin Tarantino's violent aesthetic masterpiece Inglourious Basterds. However, these two works cannot be regarded as the pinnacle of anti-fascist films because they lack the essential elements of such films.
The themes and genres of anti-fascist films can be diverse, but some elements are indispensable. First, they must clearly depict the brutality and inhumanity of fascism itself. This means not only avoiding any degree of "whitewashing" but also refraining from portraying fascist forces as weak and foolish.
Think about it: without capable soldiers and strategists, how could the fascist camp have caused such immense destruction to world peace? If there is too much mockery and too little historical accuracy, the film's sense of historical gravitas will be greatly diminished, thereby diluting the audience's understanding of the evil nature of fascism. "La Grande Vadrouille" really made me laugh, but the portrayal of the German soldiers in it was not serious enough. Thus, although it is a unique and well-executed comedy, it is somewhat inappropriate to call it a representative anti-fascist film.
Of course, when I say "no whitewashing," I do not mean that there cannot be any trace of goodness in the antagonists. A film can certainly focus on exploring the choices individuals make in extreme environments. These individuals could be the father in Life Is Beautiful, the clockmaker who sacrifices himself to protect Walter in Walter Defends Sarajevo, or the German officer who shows compassion toward the protagonist in The Pianist. However, these elements of humanity should serve to highlight the anti-fascist core rather than weaken it. Therefore, they should not overshadow the main theme.
Another point is that there is no need to exaggerate or sensationalize for the sake of the plot. To ensure people have a sufficient understanding of fascism, one must not overload the film with too many fictional elements. Inglourious Basterds is an entertaining film, with scene designs, atmosphere, and cinematography bearing distinct Tarantino flair. However, due to its entirely fictional plot and overwhelming individual heroism, it is often ironically considered a so-called "super anti-Nazi film." Turning to domestic examples, the Chinese film The Eight Hundred depicts the historical event of Chinese soldiers defending the Sihang Warehouse, which is fine for me.
But, to my surprise, the film frequently shifts its focus to the residents of the foreign concessions across the river, showing their indignant reactions, which, in my opinion, feels somewhat exaggerated. At that time, countless people risked their lives to seek refuge in the concessions, and the foreigners in the concessions were already overwhelmed by the influx of refugees. How could they have had much time to care about a warehouse on the other side? Those scenes were indeed tear-jerking, but upon reflection, I found their impact far less profound than the ending of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
Thus, DotDotNews has selected some outstanding anti-fascist films. Although some films were not included due to their age or lack of fame, this does not mean they are not excellent. We hope that each of these films will make everyone ponder: How can we avoid repeating the mistakes of the past?
Just like the plot of Walter Defends Sarajevo, through the collective efforts of countless people in Sarajevo, the guerrilla forces led by Walter thoroughly thwarted the German army's operations. As they left, the German officer delivered a line that I still remember clearly to this day:
"You see that city? That's Walter!"
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