The historical war drama "Dongji Rescue" premiered in Beijing on Tuesday, where directors and lead actors discussed the film’s creative vision and impact.
The war epic is based on the true story of the sinking of the Lisbon Maru, a cargo vessel requisitioned by the Japanese army to secretly transport more than 1,800 British prisoners of war from Hong Kong to Japan in October 1942.
After the vessel was mistakenly struck by an American submarine off China's Dongji Island, more than 300 survivors were rescued by Chinese fishermen in an extraordinary act of wartime bravery and the human compassion.
"What is most important is that we see the bravery of ordinary Chinese fishermen and their compassion," said Guan Hu, the film's director.
"I think restraint and kindness are in the blood of Chinese people. But don't push us too far. We also know when to stand up and fight back," Zhu Yilong, the main actor in the film.
Ni Ni, who plays a central role in the film, described her character's decision to defy danger as symbolic of a broader awakening.
"I believe it's not just Ah Hua, any fisherman on the island would have made the same choice in that situation, just as Ah Hua did. It's a moment of self-awareness awakening under extreme circumstances -- I want to break free from constraints, I want to take action, not just for myself, but for all those lives out at sea," said Ni.
The premiere was attended by prominent figures in China's film industry, including actors Tony Leung Ka-Fai, Tong Liya, and Song Jia.
"I was deeply moved, particularly by the underwater scenes. I got goosebumps all over. Every cabin, every detail of the ship felt so familiar. I know every dimension of that vessel by heart, even with my eyes closed, but I only saw it on sketches, in animation and in the stop-motion animation. You brought it to life in real settings, with real people, real emotions, and real water. So I offer my heartfelt congratulations to all of you," said Fang Li, a director who previously explored the same event in the 2024 documentary "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru."
"The raw power, the texture, and the wild beauty that radiated from each actor was incredibly moving and left a deep impression on me," Song said.
Young actress Yang Enyou hopes that the little-known story could be taught to more young people.
"If 'Dead To Rights' shows what the Chinese people have gone through, 'Dongji Resuce' shows what we did. I hope one day this story appears in textbooks, so that more young people can learn about this part of history," said Yang.
"Although I'm older, I'm not someone who cries easily. However, I've been crying all night. Thank you all," said Leung.
"Dongji Rescue" is set for nationwide release on Friday in China, and will be released in the United Kingdom and Ireland on Aug 22.
War epic "Dongji Rescue" premieres in Beijing, spotlighting forgotten WWII rescue
