The Japanese cast members in the film , two of whom came to know Jiang while on exchange in the Central Academy of Drama in the 1980s , initially expressed concerns with the Japanese war crimes depicted in the film . Jiang spent two weeks discussing the issue with them , and showed them documentaries about the war , including some made by Japanese filmmakers . According to Jiang , the Japanese cast members eventually came to trust him . Jiang also used many non-professional actors and actresses in the film , some of whom were also members of the crew . Jiang himself also played the leading role in the film , which he admitted was a tiring experience . He said he also came to distrust what most of the crew members said about his acting , especially when they were tired and wanting to finish for the day
Japanese war crimes
Japanese war crimes
Devils on the Doorstep