The Canadian premiere of Dongji Rescue on August 22 sparked profound emotional reactions, with attendees praising its unflinching portrayal of wartime heroism during Japan's invasion. One audience member described the film as "a vital reminder of history's overlooked chapters," emphasizing how it illuminated the resilience of coastal communities during World War II.
Directed by Guan Hu and Fei Zhenxiang, the $80 million historical drama recounts the 1942 sinking of the Lisbon Maru – a Japanese vessel transporting British POWs – near Zhoushan. When Japanese soldiers sealed survivors below deck, fishermen from Dongji Island braved gunfire to rescue hundreds. The film's sweeping IMAX cinematography and human-centered narrative have resonated globally since its Chinese debut earlier this month.
Audiences in London and North America have joined Chinese viewers in applauding the film's dual role as both gripping cinema and historical education. "This isn't just China's story – it's a missing piece of our collective World War II memory," remarked a Toronto-based historian after the screening. With box office success in China and growing international interest, Dongji Rescue continues to spark conversations about regional histories and cross-cultural understanding.
