Minoru Matsui's inspiration for the film came after one of his original interviewees died. Feeling that it was his last chance to document the stories, he began the process of creating the documentary. Initial support was minimal, with all production companies showing no interest. The film did not gain any traction until it was entered into the
Berlin Film Festival. The original title,
Riben Guizi, is a Chinese phrase popular in the 1930s and 1940s used to express hatred for Japanese invaders. == Controversy ==