The video "1945" by China-based band Mercy And Sorrow (大悲) directs our attention to the year 1945, when World War II (in which 50-70 million lives were lost) ended. "1945" begins slowly, solemnly, with Albert Einstein's quote, "I do not know what weapons World War III will be fought with, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." A long corridor through which one must pass is shown, and then the video shifts to scenes of everyday life progressing normally, followed by scenes of soldiers and war.
As a lone plane drops a bomb, the song changes pace, becoming more of a rock track with a hard edge and the vocals transitioning from the soft beginning to a much louder and grittier tone. The pace of "1945" quickens once again and seems to have a sense of urgency to it as the bomb drops in slow motion to the ground while the people below are completely unaware of the impending doom. Scenes of destruction and the blinding light of the explosion are gripping and sobering, as we see that no one is spared.
As we see the mushroom cloud appearing, the plane that dropped the bomb returns to its origin, giving the impression that while the pilot did his job and it ended there for him, many died on the ground as a result of his "labor." The song then changes pace back to its original slow tempo, amidst pictures of devastation beyond belief. "1945" is a reminder of what we shouldn't have to remember, but what we must never forget.
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