Back to 1942 2012
Made by
China Lion Film Distribution
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Back to 1942 (2012). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the frigid winter of 1942, set against the backdrop of the Second Sino-Japanese War, the province of Henan transforms into a perilous combat zone for survival. Wealthy landlord Master Fan holds the key to his family’s survival as well as that of his villagers amidst a rampant famine. However, tragedy strikes when bandits invade their village, leading to the devastating loss of Fan’s son. With his home now a dangerous place, he must flee with his daughter, wife, and daughter-in-law, accompanied by the steadfast servant Shuanzhu. As they journey westward, they seek refuge and join forces with fellow villager Xialu and his family. Yet, their struggles are compounded when NRA soldiers seize their dwindling food supplies, all while Japanese aircraft bombard the area relentlessly.
The dire circumstances lead to a loss of faith as Brother Sim, once an ardent preacher of Catholicism, grapples with the overwhelming despair of starvation and suffering. He begins to wonder about the existence of God in such tumultuous times. Meanwhile, journalist Theodore H. White, determined to unveil the stark realities of the famine, delves into the heart of Henan. His harrowing findings expose a Nationalist Government more focused on self-preservation than aiding the afflicted, with Chiang Kai-shek controversially pondered the surrender of Henan to the Japanese. Ultimately, White’s eye-opening exposé ignites a shift in government policies, but the distribution of relief supplies unveils a lamentable truth; corruption and greed plague the region.
As calamity befalls Master Fan and his family crumbles, he is driven to desperate measures, eventually selling his daughter into prostitution just to survive. With hope all but extinguished, he embarks on a journey towards the east, yearning for a resolution to his suffering near his homeland. During this heart-wrenching journey, he encounters a young girl who has been rendered an orphan by the ravages of war. Taking her under his wing, he adopts her as his granddaughter, forming an unexpected and tender bond amidst the harrowing trials they both face together.
Timeline
Track the key events of Back to 1942 (2012) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Winter of 1942 Begins
The movie opens in the frigid winter of 1942, marking a period of intense struggle during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The harsh conditions serve as a backdrop illustrating the dire circumstances faced by the inhabitants of Henan province.
Master Fan's Dilemma
Master Fan, a wealthy landlord, holds the responsibility for his family's survival amid the ongoing famine. He must navigate the challenges posed by starvation, while also protecting his villagers from external threats.
Bandit Invasion
Tragedy strikes when bandits invade Master Fan's village, leading to chaos and violence. This invasion culminates in the devastating loss of Fan's son, forcing his family to re-evaluate their safety and future.
Fleeing the Village
With the safety of his family in jeopardy, Master Fan decides to flee the village. Accompanied by his daughter, wife, daughter-in-law, and loyal servant Shuanzhu, they embark on a perilous journey seeking refuge.
Joining Forces with Xialu
As they journey westward, Master Fan and his family encounter fellow villager Xialu and his family. Together, they unite their efforts in the quest for survival amidst the growing dangers they face.
NRA Soldiers Seize Supplies
The journey becomes more arduous when NRA soldiers seize the little food supplies the fleeing families possess. This act of desperation serves to further highlight the dire situation under which they are struggling to survive.
Japanese Bombardment
As the families navigate the harsh landscape, they face relentless bombardments from Japanese aircraft. The constant threat of air raids heightens the tension and fear, complicating their already precarious existence.
Brother Sim Questions Faith
Amidst the chaos and suffering, Brother Sim, a preacher of Catholicism, grapples with despair and begins to question the existence of God. His loss of faith reflects the overwhelming impact of starvation on the human spirit during such tumultuous times.
The Journalist's Investigation
Journalist Theodore H. White arrives in Henan, determined to uncover the real impact of the famine. His investigations reveal a Nationalist Government more inclined toward self-preservation than providing assistance to the starving population.
Exposé on Government Failures
White's findings bring to light the government’s callousness, including the controversial contemplation by Chiang Kai-shek to surrender Henan. This exposé ignites debates over the government's responsibility and the distribution of relief supplies.
Corruption in Relief Distribution
Despite a shift in government policies driven by White's exposé, the distribution of relief supplies reveals corruption and greed. This disappointing reality starkly contrasts with the urgent needs of the suffering populace.
Desperation Leads to Dark Choices
As Master Fan’s family disintegrates under the weight of calamity, desperation drives him to sell his daughter into prostitution in a bid for survival. This heartbreaking choice underscores the depths to which one may sink in times of dire need.
A Journey Eastward
With hope dwindling, Fan seeks peace by embarking on an emotional journey towards the east, yearning for a resolution to his suffering close to his homeland. The journey symbolizes a last desperate attempt to reclaim a sense of normalcy.
Encounter with an Orphan
During his travels, Master Fan encounters a young girl orphaned by the ravages of war. He decides to take her under his wing, adopting her as his granddaughter, which fosters a tender bond amidst the surrounding devastation.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Back to 1942 (2012) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Master Fan
Master Fan is a wealthy landlord who faces overwhelming challenges as he fights to protect his family during a time of famine and warfare. His character embodies the struggles of morality and survival, as he is forced to make increasingly desperate decisions. The trauma of loss deeply impacts him, reshaping his identity throughout the film.
Shuanzhu
Shuanzhu serves as the devoted servant of Master Fan, showcasing loyalty and resilience amid hardship. He plays a crucial role in the family's survival, offering support and companionship during their perilous journey. His unwavering commitment reflects the bond formed among those who endure suffering together.
Theodore H. White
Theodore H. White is a journalist dedicated to unveiling the grim realities of famine and war. His investigation into the suffering in Henan serves as a critical narrative device, shedding light on the corruption and failures of the Nationalist Government. White’s character highlights the power of storytelling in times of crisis.
Brother Sim
Brother Sim is a preacher grappling with his faith amidst overwhelming despair. As starvation and suffering engulf Henan, he wrestles with existential questions about the presence of God in such dire circumstances. His character embodies the struggle between hope and hopelessness, pivotal themes of the film.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Back to 1942 (2012), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Winter of 1942
The winter of 1942 is characterized by the brutality of the Second Sino-Japanese War, a time when conflict and starvation redefine the lives of many. As the world faces the ramifications of war, China specifically grapples with internal strife and external threats, complicating survival efforts and leading to widespread suffering. This period highlights the fragility of human existence amid chaos.
Location
Henan, China
Henan province, located in central China, is steeped in history and has been a focal point during various conflicts, particularly during the Second Sino-Japanese War. In 1942, it becomes a perilous landscape ravaged by war and famine, creating a dire situation for its inhabitants. The region's rich cultural heritage contrasts starkly with the devastation of a time marked by loss and desperation.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Back to 1942 (2012). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Loss
Loss permeates the lives of the characters, from Master Fan’s devastating experience of losing his son to the broader implications of war that render countless families fractured. The struggles with famine and the necessity of making unimaginable sacrifices highlight the personal and communal suffering experienced during this tragic period. The film poignantly explores how loss reshapes identities and relationships.
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Corruption
Corruption is a central theme, particularly illustrated through the actions of the Nationalist Government, highlighting the disparity between the needs of the people and the self-serving interests of those in power. The journalist Theodore H. White brings to light the grim reality in Henan, exposing failure in relief efforts and governance, which becomes a catalyst for change. This theme serves as a reflection of societal struggles against oppressive forces.
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Survival
The theme of survival is embodied by the characters' relentless fight against overwhelming odds. Master Fan's journey with his family showcases the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their loved ones in dire conditions. Their harrowing experiences reveal the resilience of the human spirit, even when faced with the stark realities of famine and violence.
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