German actor Ulrich Tukur, known for his performance in the Oscar-winning film The Life of Others, is now engaged in the filming of John Rabe, a film by Florian Gallenberger.

The US$20-million movie also stars Chinese mainland actress Zhang Jingchu and American actor Steve Buscemi.

It will finish shooting in the city by the Spring Festival. Remaining scenes will be shot in Nanjing. The film is expected to open in both China and Germany at the end of this year.

The movie recounts the heroic story of the German businessman John Rabe who sheltered more than 200,000 Chinese people during the Nanjing Massacre.

"I have to shape the complex personality of John Rabe," said Tukur. "He is a Nazi Party member but also a great person, the 'Oskar Schindler of China."'

Tukur was visiting Shanghai for the first time, and he said he had been amazed by the city's beautiful landscape and its friendly people.

He spoke highly of the performance of Zhang Jingchu who he described as a cheerful and optimistic lady.

(Shanghai Daily February 2, 2008)