JOHN RABE opens in San Francisco this week

JOHN RABE opens July 9th at the Presidio Theatre in San Francisco and Rialto Cinemas Elmwood in Berkeley.

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Based on a true story, JOHN RABE tells the epic story of a German businessman who rescued more than 200,000 civilians during “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 victimized.

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.

Drawing from John Rabe’s 1937 diaries as source material, Florian 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.

2009 Berlin Film Festival Official Selection
2009 German Film Academy Award Winner: Best Film, Best Actor
Best Costume and Best Production Design

Opens on July 9th at the Presido Theatre in San Francisco and the Rialto Cinemas Elmwood in Berkeley.

Presidio Theatre
2340 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123-2610
(415) 776-2388

Rialto Cinemas Elmwood
2966 College Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 433-9730