Watch Angel of Nanjing

The movie Angel of Nanjing from 2015 stars Chen Si, a real-life hero who patrols the Yangtze River Bridge in Nanjing, China, to prevent people from jumping off and committing suicide. The film follows Chen Si as he talks to potential jumpers and tries to persuade them not to take their own lives, while also showing the impact of his actions on the community.

Throughout the film, viewers get a glimpse into the daily routine of Chen Si as he patrols the bridge, ready to intervene at a moment's notice. He shares the stories of the many people he has helped over the years and also talks about his personal reasons for taking on this daunting task. In one scene, he shares how he was inspired to become a bridge guard when his friend's mother committed suicide by jumping off the same bridge.

The movie also includes interviews with some of the people who were stopped by Chen Si from jumping off the bridge. One person who was saved says, "I wasn't expecting anyone to care about me. But he cared about me, and that made all the difference." Another person adds, "He [Chen Si] gave me a new lease on life."

Despite the serious subject matter, there are moments of lightness throughout the film. Chen Si is shown interacting with the local community, including children who play on the bridge and tourists who visit the area. These moments showcase his kind and compassionate nature, and provide a glimpse into the positive impact he has beyond just preventing suicides.

One of the major themes of the movie is the impact of mental illness and suicide on society, and the need for greater understanding and support for those who struggle with these issues. Through his daily work, Chen Si sheds light on the darkness of mental illness and suicide, and encourages individuals and communities to work together to provide support and hope to those in need.

Overall, Angel of Nanjing is a powerful and deeply emotional film that highlights the importance of compassion, understanding, and community in the face of mental illness and suicide. Led by the inspiring Chen Si, the film provides a moving tribute to those who have been touched by these issues, and encourages viewers to take action to make a difference in their own communities.

Angel of Nanjing is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.