"Dead to Rights" Becomes 2025's Most Emotional Box Office Hit in China
By: Liu Haoran (KbizoOm)
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
"Dead to Rights" Becomes 2025's Most Emotional Box Office Hit in China
On July 25, Dead to Rights (Original title: Nanjing Zhao Xiang Guan ) officially premiered in theaters across China, and early reactions suggest it may be one of the biggest cinematic surprises of 2025. According to Chinese media outlet QQ, the historical drama quickly topped the box office on its opening day, raking in over 62 million RMB in revenue. Prior to its public release, the film had already earned more than 100 million RMB in pre-sales, showcasing strong anticipation from audiences nationwide.
Set against the harrowing backdrop of the Nanjing Massacre—a wartime atrocity committed by the Japanese Imperial Army after seizing Nanjing on December 13, 1937—the film follows A Xiang, a young mailman played by Liu Haoran, who disguises himself as a photo studio worker to evade the Japanese military. In his new role, he helps civilians and Chinese soldiers escape persecution while secretly photographing the atrocities to preserve evidence of the war crimes.
Audiences were deeply moved by the film's emotional depth and nuanced storytelling. On Douban, China's most trusted film rating site, the movie earned a high score of 8.5/10 after just one day. Ticketing platforms Maoyan and Tao Piao Piao also reported a 9.7 rating, the highest score of the year for any film in 2025.
Rather than relying on graphic violence, Dead to Rights focuses on human resilience, sacrifice, and the emotional toll of war. Viewers have described the film as "heartbreaking yet powerful," with many unable to hold back tears throughout its runtime. "I cried four times," one viewer shared, while another commented, "The entire theater was in tears. No one could leave unaffected."
Lead actor Liu Haoran is being praised for one of the most impactful performances of his career. Critics and fans alike have called him a "young box office king", applauding his portrayal of A Xiang as brave, compassionate, and self-sacrificing. His scenes—especially those confronting cruelty or witnessing the suffering of his fellow citizens—left many audience members visibly emotional.
Beyond the powerful acting and historical weight, the film's success lies in its ability to remind viewers of the cost of war and the importance of remembering the past. One Douban review reads: "This is a necessary film that all patriots should watch. It reminds us never to forget the pain our ancestors endured."
Given its critical acclaim and emotional resonance, industry analysts predict Dead to Rights could become the highest-grossing historical drama of the year, with box office projections reaching 2 billion RMB. If early success is any indication, the film is on track to leave a lasting legacy in Chinese cinema.
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Shen Ao’s Acclaimed Wartime Drama ‘Dead to Rights’ Set for North American Release
Niu Vision Media and Echelon Studios are proud to announce the North American release of Dead to Rights , the acclaimed Chinese wartime drama from director Shen Ao ( No More Bets ) and producer Furuo Qing ( The Wondering Earth franchise). Distributed by Niu Vision Media, the film will open in U.S. and Canadian theaters on August 15, ahead of its planned streaming rollout later this year.
Set during the harrowing days of the Nanjing Massacre in 1937 and inspired by documented events, Dead to Rights tells the powerful story of A Chang – played by Liu Haoran ( Detective Chinatown franchise) – a humble postman who assumes the identity of a photo developer to survive. As he covertly shelters Chinese soldiers and civilians within the walls of a Japanese-occupied studio, his quiet defiance becomes an act of extraordinary resistance and humanity. The film has earned acclaim for its emotional gravity, striking cinematography, and unflinching portrayal of moral courage under fire.
This theatrical release marks another significant step in Niu Vision and Echelon Studios’ shared commitment to spotlighting bold, auteur-driven Asian cinema for international audiences.
“ Dead to Rights is a poignant, timely reminder of the human stories behind history’s darkest chapters,” said Niu Vision’s CEO, Fukun Wang. “We’re thrilled to partner once again with Echelon Studios to bring this extraordinary film to American audiences, both in theaters and later via streaming.”
“This is a story that demands to be seen,” added Sandro Gohoho, President of Licensing and Operations at Echelon Studios. “ Dead to Rights exemplifies the kind of bold, meaningful storytelling we’re committed to supporting. We’re thrilled to help bring Shen Ao’s voice to digital audiences across the U.S.”
This is the latest project in a growing slate of high-impact international titles distributed by the two companies, whose shared vision is to bridge cultures through cinema and to elevate underrepresented voices on the global stage.
Dead to Rights opens in theaters nationwide from August 15, 2025. The film will be available on streaming platforms later this year.
Although it will only be subtitled in English, do not miss this movie. It is a Chinese match to Schindler's List, because although it may not provide the graphic horrors that were omitted by Schindler's List, and it will not show the bloodcurdling extent of the horrors of the Rape of Nanking, it will be a movie you will not be able to forget easily.