"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
Farmers in India, a major agricultural producer and fertilizer importer, are raising concerns over fertilizer availability ahead of the planting season, as the escalating Middle East conflict and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz put global supplies at risk.
The Middle East serves as both a vital energy hub and a major global fertilizer supplier, yet the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has heightened risks of disruption to international supplies.
Chand Singh Yadav, a farmer in Haryana, a northern Indian state, said poor crop yields would be disastrous for the country and called on the government to ensure adequate supplies of fertilizers, agrochemicals and seeds to prevent a food crisis. "Without fertilizers, our crops will not grow well, and this would be disastrous for the entire country. If farmers cannot grow crops, people will not be able to buy food in the market. We urge the government to improve the supply system for fertilizers, agrochemicals and seeds to prevent the country and society as a whole from sliding into a food crisis," he said.
The Indian government is stepping up subsidies for farmers and optimizing fertilizer distribution and allocation to stabilize the supply. Prices have remained broadly stable, but demand is expected to surge ahead of the planting season, potentially exacerbating supply pressures.
"The current situation is worrying for us farmers. Spring sowing has not yet started, and the rainy season has not arrived. Fertilizer prices are temporarily stable, but in two months, demand for agricultural fertilizers will become pressing. Without fertilizers, it will be difficult to properly cultivate various types of crops. Urea and diammonium phosphate are especially critical. Crops can only grow normally when these fertilizers are applied. As these fertilizers are largely imported, if the conflict persists, supplies cannot be guaranteed," said Santosh Mishra, a farmer in India's eastern state of Odisha.
Escalating Middle East conflict strains India’s fertilizer supply
Escalating Middle East conflict strains India’s fertilizer supply
