• Drama
• History
• War

Dead to Rights 2025

Directed by Shen Ao, the 2025 historical drama Dead to Rights is a harrowing and deeply emotional portrayal of survival and resistance during the 1937 Nanjing Massacre. The plot centers on A Chang, a humble postman played by Liu Haoran, who seeks refuge in the Huadong Photo Studio as the city falls. To survive the occupation, he assumes the identity of a photo developer for the Japanese military. However, his life takes a dangerous turn when he is forced to process film rolls containing photographic evidence of the atrocities and massacres being committed against the local population. Haunted by what he sees, A Chang begins a perilous mission to secretly duplicate these photographs, turning the studio into a clandestine sanctuary for refugees while desperately attempting to smuggle the evidence out of the city to alert the world to the truth. The film's impact is anchored by an exceptional ensemble cast led by Liu Haoran, who delivers a nuanced performance as the reluctant hero A Chang. He is joined by Wang Chuanjun, who portrays a morally conflicted interpreter, and Gao Ye, who plays a resilient opera actress. The supporting cast, including Daichi Harashima, Yang Enyou, Wang Xiao, Zhou You, and Zhener Wang, brings a visceral humanity to the story, depicting the diverse lives caught in the crossfire of war. Their performances helped the film gain significant critical traction, eventually leading to its selection as China's official submission for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. In terms of commercial performance, Dead to Rights was a massive success, particularly in the Asian market, where it resonated deeply with audiences. The film grossed approximately $385.3 million worldwide, with the vast majority of that revenue coming from a dominant theatrical run in mainland China. It surpassed the 1 billion yuan milestone in just eight days, making it one of the top-performing films of the 2025 summer season. Its international reach was further extended through limited theatrical releases in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where it received high praise for its cinematography and historical accuracy.As of early 2026, the film is widely available for worldwide audiences through various digital platforms. It can be found on Video on Demand (VOD) services such as Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video in most international territories. In China, the film has transitioned to major streaming giants like iQIYI and Tencent Video, ensuring its continued accessibility following its successful festival and cinema runs. The film stands as a significant cinematic achievement, blending a high-stakes thriller narrative with a somber reflection on a pivotal moment in history. Read More

• 2025
• 2 h : 17 min
• 230 views
• 7.425
• NR