The Apology

The Apology is a poignant 2016 documentary directed by Tiffany Hsiung that delves into a dark but undeniably significant chapter of East Asian history. Affectingly real and emotionally stirring, the film centers around the narrative of the “comfort women” who were forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. The documentary approaches this heart-rending history through the in-depth stories of three elderly women from China, South Korea, and the Philippines, cleverly humanizing a piece of history that has often been left in silence and shame.

The Apology chronicles the life-changing journey of these three survivors – Grandma Gil from South Korea, Grandma Cao from China, and Grandma Adela from the Philippines. Far from victimizing them, the film unflinchingly portrays their personal stories of survival, resilience, and a quest for healing. Each of these grandmothers represents not only their individual tales of endurance but becomes a tribute to thousands of women who endured the same horrific experience during one of the most turbulent times in human history.

Throughout the documentary, Grandma Gil is shown relentlessly campaigning for the South Korean government and her society to rally behind the survivors and demand an official apology and reparations from the Japanese government. Her unwavering efforts serve as a reflection of the ongoing struggle for recognition and restitution, the fight for which has been left largely unheeded by the global community.

In contrast, Grandma Cao from rural China is hiding her past from her own family, her story serving as a bleak reminder of the enduring stigma and ostracization faced by the survivors. Her effortless but stoic attempts to blend into her village life, where respect and honor play a pivotal role, create a soul-stirring portrayal of the struggle to heal when surrounded by silence and denial.

Meanwhile, Grandma Adela breaks away from her isolation to share her untold narrative with local youth in the Philippines, enabling the next generation to grasp the complexities of their past. Through her recounting of the experiences, Adela subtly underlines the significance of recollection and education in preventing the recurrence of such atrocities.

The Apology neither indulges in gratuitous recountings of the past nor skims the surface of these horrendous occurrences. The film excels in finding a balance, using skilled storytelling to intimately explore a subject that has often remained untouched by mainstream media. Hsiung's respectful and thoughtful approach respects the survivors' experiences, spotlighting their strength and resilience without shying away from the harsh realities that they endured.

Visually, The Apology stands out with its beautifully composed cinematography that contrasts the tranquil reality of the women's present-day lives against their tormented past. Likewise, the documentary weaves its narrative eloquently through scenes of their everyday existence, capturing the grandmothers amidst their families, friends, and communities. Consequently, the viewer is left with a profound sense of empathy and admiration for these resilient women - a testament to the film's storytelling prowess.

The striking element in The Apology is the director’s sensitive approach to the filmed discussions and interviews – a key contributing factor in enabling the survivors to open up about their past experiences. Hsiung employs extreme care and patience in her questions, and this aspect is felt potently throughout the film. It becomes apparent that what the survivors seek through their stories is not sympathy but acknowledgment and justice in the face of historical denial.

In conclusion, The Apology is an evocative documentary that unveils the often untold stories of the ‘comfort women’ with heart-rending honesty. Through their personal narratives of courage and resilience, Grandma Gil, Grandma Cao, and Grandma Adela represent the voices of the thousands of women who were forced into sexual slavery during World War II, challenging the denial and demanding recognition, justice, and most vividly, an apology. The film serves as a timely reminder of our collective responsibility to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities by acknowledging and learning from historical misdeeds. Despite its subject matter, The Apology delivers a deeply human narrative about resilience, remembrance, and the enduring power of truth.