'Dongji Rescue' garners millions at box office on opening day

The highly anticipated historical war drama "Dongji Rescue" made a strong debut on its opening day Friday, raking in approximately 350 million yuan ($50 million) at the box office. The film, inspired by the 1942 Dongji Island rescue incident, brings to light an overlooked chapter of history through the lens of ordinary Chinese fishermen.

Directed by acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Guan Hu, "Dongji Rescue" shifts focus from grand military narratives to the personal experiences of everyday heroes. "We wanted to tell the story from the perspective of individual lives and ordinary people," said Guan in a recent interview. "The Dongji Island rescue event is a powerful example of international humanitarian spirit – of mutual aid in times of great peril."

The film premiered earlier in July at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival, drawing attention for its poignant storytelling and historical depth.

Film producer Liang Jing is currently working on the global distribution of the film. She expressed a strong desire to bring this powerful story to international audiences, highlighting the importance of remembering the events of over 80 years ago.

The film's UK distribution partner also emphasized the universal relevance of its themes, hoping that the courage and kindness shown in "Dongji Rescue" will transcend cultural boundaries and inspire audiences around the world.