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)