In early December, 1937 the Japanese army invaded Nanjing, China and committed mass slaughter and atrocities against the Chinese people. Minnie Vautrin, an American woman who was the dean of Gingling College organized and proposed the Nanjing International Safety Zone where refugees could come for safety. She courageously stood up against the Japanese soldiers who tried to infiltrate the safety zone and saved many lives because of her actions. This movie, written by Joseph Kwong, tells the story of the courageous people who helped the Chinese during this time. The emphasis is on Minnie Vautrin because of her courage and strength.