"Evil Unbound", a film about Unit 731, the notorious germ warfare unit that the Japanese army set up during its invasion of China from 1931 to 1945, broke two Chinese cinema records on its global cinema release on Thursday. Many cinemas across China held special premiere screenings at symbolic times such as 9:18 a.m. and 7:31 p.m. on Thursday, as the nation marked the September 18 Incident which started the 14-year invasion.
The film took in over 300 million yuan (about 42 million U.S. dollars) at the box office on the day, and set the Chinese records for total screenings on an opening day, as well as total screenings in a day.
"It's up to our generation to pass these realities down to our children and generations to come," said one moviegoer.
"When I saw there was a specially timed commemorative screening, I decided straight away to go," said another moviegoer.
"Beijing cinemas allocated 77 percent of screenings to this film, with nearly 70 percent attendance, definitely a new high for a single title," said Shen Tao, general manager of Beijing Canopy New Colorful Clouds Cinemas Co., Ltd.
The film depicts how, on the eve of China's victory in its War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Japanese invaders conducted germ warfare research and brutal human experiments on civilians in the Pingfang District of Harbin in an attempt to turn the tide of the war. Although the aggressors tried to cover up the truth, the Chinese people's resolve to expose history remains unshaken.
"I hope everyone remembers this history, because we cannot let it be forgotten," said a moviegoer.
"The atrocities committed against the Chinese people are unforgivable. We watch this film to remember that tragic history and to build a better future," said another moviegoer.
On Sept. 18, 1931, Japanese troops blew up a section of railway under their control near Shenyang and accused Chinese troops of sabotage as a pretext for their attack later that night against barracks near Shenyang, starting the premeditated invasion of China.
From 1937 to 1945, with the direct involvement of Unit 731, the Japanese army established a biological warfare organization system in many places in China and Southeast Asia, leaving behind one of the darkest chapters in human history.
The release of the "Evil Unbound" on Thursday holds profound significance as it marks the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident. Screenings began at 9:00, with many theaters scheduling the first show at 9:18.
Film about Japan's notorious Unit 731 breaks Chinese cinema records
