Today, August the 15, marks Japan's unconditional surrender in the Second World War. On the eve of that day, Chinese director Li Ying's documentary "Yasukuni Shrine" was shown to the public in New York.
This documentary discusses in depth many controversial topics concerning the Yasukuni Shrine. It was also one of the entries in last year's Sundance Film Festival. International moviegoers joined members of the U-S mainstream media attended the film's New York release, saying it is evocative of that dark period of history.
An American moviegoer said, "After watching the film, I understand the controversy around the Japanese PM going to the Shrine and praying."
"Yasukuni Shrine" is dedicated to those who fought on behalf of the Emperor of Japan. The landmark's Symbolic Registry of Divinities currently enshrines over 240-million men and women, including some notorious war criminals from the Second World War, such as Toujou Hideki.
A British moviegoer said, "I think it is better to remove those Class-A out of the Shrine."
As more people see the film, it will make them more aware of the Shrine's history.
A Japanese moviegoer said, "I am from Japan. I know that period of history. My sister was in China during the war. I will come to China next year. I believe the next generation of the two countries will do better. "
The documentary "Yasukuni Shrine" will be screened in New York for a week.
