Film 'Dead to Rights' hits 549m yuan, resonates with history

The Chinese film "Dead to Rights" has surpassed 549 million yuan (about $76 million) in cumulative box office revenue just five days after its release, according to the movie data platform Beacon Pro. Lauded for its powerful storytelling and compelling performances, the film has earned praise from moviegoers. Many parents said that the movie served as a vivid "history lesson" for their children.

Based on true events, "Dead to Rights" tells the story of ordinary citizens in a photography shop during the 1937 Nanjing Massacre. Forced to develop photos for the invading Japanese army, they discover harrowing images of atrocities in the darkroom – and turn from survival to resistance, risking their lives to preserve the evidence of war crimes.

Set on Nanjing's iconic Gongyuan Street, where generations of locals marked life milestones with photos, director Shen Ao noted, "This street captures the essence of a Nanjing resident's life. The photo studio stands as a silent witness to their memories, their joy, and their pain."

The commemorative film "Dead to Rights," which marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, began screening in multiple cinemas across Macao on July 25. Its simultaneous release with the mainland sparked strong reactions, with many in Macao calling it a powerful historical lesson and a moment of shared national reflection.