The Chinese wartime epic "Dead to Rights," through its vivid portrayal of the Nanjing Massacre, seeks to confront history with accuracy and prompts widespread reflection on one of World War II's darkest chapters, according to experts.
As part of the events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the film exposes the crimes committed by Japanese invaders during the Nanjing Massacre through the story of a photo studio set in 1937.
The war film has maintained its dominance at China's summer box office, grossing over 1.8 billion yuan (about 251 million U.S. dollars) as of Wednesday, since its release on July 25. The film centers on a group of survivors who seek refuge in a photo studio. While developing film rolls for Japanese soldiers, the civilians uncover graphic images of wartime atrocities and risk their lives to preserve the evidence.
Recognized for its emotional weight and stark portrayal of a national trauma, "Dead to Rights" has resonated deeply with audiences.
The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was fought from 1931 to 1945. It was the first to break out and the longest-running campaign in the World Anti-Fascist War. The war resulted in over 35 million Chinese military and civilian casualties.
After a grueling 14 years of tenacious resistance, the Chinese people achieved a great victory in the war against Japanese aggression, which also signaled the complete triumph of the global war against fascism.
Audiences believe the film reminds people to remember history and cherish peace.
"Each of the old photos in the film is an evidence to history, making me realize that the peaceful life that we enjoy today was earned through the suffering and sacrifice of countless martyrs. This encourages us teenagers to remember history, strive for progress, and prevent such atrocities from ever recurring," said Wang Yinuo after watching the film.
Fu Ruoqing, producer of the film, believes that upholding a correct historical perspective on WWII is not only to a tribute to the victims, but also to a responsibility toward the future.
"We want to remind people to remember the humiliation we once endured, while rekindling the indomitable spirit that fuels China's rise. The contrast between present-day Nanjing and images from 80 years ago, captured from the same position, demonstrates the remarkable progress achieved by our nation in the new era," said Fu, who is also chairman of the China Film Group Corporation.
The film will premiere in cinemas across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Malaysia and Singapore starting from Thursday. Additional releases in Russia, South Korea, the UK, Germany, France, and beyond will follow shortly after.
Chinese filmmakers expressed their hope that this film will convey to the world the Chinese people's commitment to historical responsibility and their dedication to peace. They also aim to foster global consensus on safeguarding historical truth.
"The correct historical perspective on WWII has been validated through eight decades of post-war reflection. It is a system to understand history that safeguards historic truth, upholds fairness and justice, and promotes peaceful development. It is a historically grounded, accurate and fair perspective for understanding World War II. To uphold the correct historical perspective on WWII, we should respect objective facts, oppose historical nihilism and revisionism, reject any move that distorts, alters or glorifies the history of aggression, defend the UN-centered international system, remember history, honor the fallen heroes, cherish peace and create a brighter future," said Zhang Guosong, research librarian with the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders.
Chinese wartime epic "Dead to Rights" calls for historical accuracy on WWII: experts
Chinese wartime epic "Dead to Rights" calls for historical accuracy on WWII: experts
