If you haven’t been swayed by the rhetoric from China hawks in Congress portraying the Chinese people as villains, the story behind the documentary Angel of Nanjing will surely evoke a more compassionate response.
The film follows the remarkable efforts of Chen Si, a man known for his tireless commitment to preventing suicides on one of the most infamous locations for such tragedies: the Yangtze River Bridge in Nanjing.
For over two decades, Chen has voluntarily patrolled the bridge daily, and his actions have led to the rescue of 469 individuals who were on the verge of taking their own lives. This dedication is not only inspiring but also crucial in addressing a serious issue in China, where the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge holds the unfortunate distinction of being the world’s most frequent site for suicides. Almost every day, individuals stand at the edge of the bridge, seemingly lost in despair.
Chen’s approach is simple but deeply emphatic. As he walks or rides along the bridge’s sidewalk, he initiates conversations with those who appear to be wandering aimlessly or lingering by themselves.
His goal is to assess whether they are contemplating suicide. Sometimes, just talking to someone is enough to prevent a tragedy. Other times, it requires much more effort, and as the footage in the documentary shows, Chen’s work can be physically and emotionally demanding.
According to a report by South China Morning Post, Chen’s journey began in 2000, when he first saw a young girl on the bridge who looked distressed. Concerned for her safety, he bought lunch for the two of them and struck up a conversation.
During the chat, he managed to convince her to return home and even paid for her bus fare. It was at that moment that Chen realized many others must be facing similar crises on the bridge. This realization sparked his mission to save lives.
Since that day, Chen has become a fixture on the bridge, crossing it ten times a day on his electric scooter. He wears a distinctive red jacket with the words “cherish all life” emblazoned on the back. His personality is a unique blend of charisma, determination, and, at times, an almost stern demeanor – traits he uses to connect with those contemplating suicide. He is known for being direct and even blunt in his interactions, a trait that can be seen as an expression of his deep commitment to saving lives.
“People with an extreme internal struggle don’t have relaxed body movements, their bodies look heavy,” Chen told the Chinese outlet News Weekly. His ability to recognize these subtle signs has become a key part of his approach in identifying those who need help.
Over the years, Chen has encountered people from all walks of life who found themselves standing on the edge of the bridge, ready to jump. He’s met individuals who have been betrayed by their spouses, students unable to afford tuition, and people facing a range of other personal hardships. For those who need immediate shelter, Chen offers them a place to stay in his own home, where he has spare rooms available to provide a safe space for recovery.
Chen Si’s work has not gone unnoticed. His story was brought to international attention through the 2015 documentary Angel of Nanjing, which garnered significant acclaim and won over half a dozen awards.
The film offers a powerful glimpse into the lives of those living on the fringes of a rapidly modernizing Chinese society and the profound impact one man has had in helping them.
The documentary showcases not only Chen’s unwavering dedication but also the larger issue of mental health in China, where societal pressures, economic changes, and family expectations can weigh heavily on individuals.
Chen Si, with his red jacket and tireless devotion, has become a symbol of hope for those in their darkest moments.
See the trailer for this incredible documentary below:
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