"Dead To Rights", a film on the Nanjing Massacre, has taken China's summer box office by storm with its intricate plots and captivating theme, as well as the emphasis on the epic stories of civilians that resonate deeply with audience.
The film's box office had surpassed 2.19 billion yuan (about 305 million U.S. dollars) as of 19:00 on Sunday since its premiere on July 25.
The film centers on a group of Chinese civilians who take refuge in a photography studio during the Japanese aggressors' brutal occupation of Nanjing in 1937.
In a desperate attempt to stay alive, they are forced to assist a Japanese military photographer in developing film -- only to discover that the negatives contain damning evidence of atrocities committed by Japanese forces across the city. They secretly keep the negatives and risk their lives to deliver them to the outside world, hoping that the truth would be revealed.
"The perspective of civilians and their epic stories -- these were our approach during the creation process. We want to tell the stories of ordinary people, those often overlooked. By immersing ourselves in their experiences and emotions, we hope to help the audience connect history with their own personal feelings," said Zhang Ke, screenwriter of the film.
"It was very touching, and I couldn't stop crying as the story unfolded," said a viewer.
Zhang also shared his aspiration to use the small "photography studio" to capture the epic times, seeking to create a deeper emotional bond with the audience.
"When we walk out of the cinema, and are away from the film, we would suddenly become strongly aware of the peace and beautiful land we have, and would appreciate our peaceful and tranquil life (even more)," said the screenwriter.
Nanjing Massacre film "Dead To Rights" touches audience with civilian epic
Nanjing Massacre film "Dead To Rights" touches audience with civilian epic
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
