In 1942, Henan Province was devastated by one of the most tragic famines in modern Chinese history, resulting in the deaths of at least three million men, women and children. Although the primary cause of the famine was a severe drought, it was exacerbated by locusts, windstorms, earthquakes, epidemic disease and the corruption of the ruling Kuomintang government.
In 1942, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, a devastating famine grips Henan Province in China, forcing millions to flee their homes in search of food. The film follows the harrowing journey of villagers facing starvation, disease, and the brutal realities of war. It highlights the indifference of the Nationalist government and the desperate struggle for survival amidst widespread suffering.
Back to 1942 was met with critical acclaim, particularly for its ambitious scope, stunning cinematography, and powerful portrayal of human suffering during a historical tragedy. While some noted its lengthy runtime, the film was widely praised for its historical significance and its stark depiction of the Henan famine, earning praise for its direction and performances.
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Nominated for Best Film at the 14th Marrakech International Film Festival. Won Best Cinematography at the 5th Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
The film was a passion project for director Feng Xiaogang for over a decade, inspired by the historical novel 'The Thirteen Chapters of Henan' by Liu Zhenyun.
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