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.
K14
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