war continued on. The timeline of the film matches up accurately with history; the execution of Ma Dasan, portrayed by Jiang Wen, lines up with the announcement of the surrender of Japan on August 15, 1945, by the Japanese Emperor Hirohito. This makes the death of Ma all the more ironic; a great victory for the world and China is in fact the day Ma dies at the hands of the Japanese prisoners of war in a cruel twist of fate. A couple weeks later, on September 2, 1945, the official surrender was signed and World War II was officially over. The film's portrayal and depictions of both the Chinese and the Japanese resulted in its fair share of controversies, with many from either side unhappy with how their country was presented. Its international success saw the censorship of Devils on the Doorstep in China by the People's Republic of China officials after director Jiang Wen refused to cut and edit scenes out of the film. Despite its controversies, the film went on to win a couple of minor awards in Japan in 2003. Director's intention In an interview, Jiang Wen explained the reason why he made Devils On The Doorstep. The film not only reproduces the atrocities committed by the Japanese army during the time in which it was set, but also acts as a warning. In the film, the Japanese army massacres many Chinese people. Such a tragedy once happened in Jiang Wen's hometown Tangshan. By making the film, Jiang wanted both Chinese and Japanese audiences to face history. According to director Jiang Wen, Ma is initially very fearful but does not know the origins of his fear. The turning point comes when he sees his village in flames and his fellow villagers massacred. He then overcomes his own fear and begins longing for death. In the final scene, Ma dies a satisfying death as he has fulfilled his desire. Cast Jiang Wen (姜文) as Ma Dasan, a local peasant from the village of Rack-Armor Terrace who is threatened into keeping two prisoners (Kosaburo Hanaya and Dong Hanchen) until New Year's Eve. Kagawa Teruyuki (香川照之) as Kosaburo Hanaya, a hostile Japanese Army sergeant held captive by Ma Dasan. Yuan Ding (袁丁) as Dong Hanchen, a nervous Chinese interpreter working for the Japanese Army and held captive by Ma Dasan. Jiang Hongbo (姜宏波) as Yu'er, a widow from Rack-Armor