Latest news with #Douban
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Chinese film ignites dialogue on wartime atrocities
The harrowing new Chinese film, Dead To Rights, about the Nanjing Massacre has stirred strong emotions across the country, sparking widespread reflection on a traumatic chapter in China's history, reported Xinhua. As per Deadline, the historical drama is set around the events of the Nanjing Massacre in 1937, where a postman named A Chang pretends to be a photo developer in a photo studio, developing photos for the Japanese army. He takes in a group of Chinese soldiers and civilians, turning the studio into a temporary shelter. In a desperate attempt to stay alive, they are forced to assist a Japanese military photographer in developing film — only to discover that the negatives contain damning evidence of atrocities committed by Japanese forces across the city. They secretly keep the negatives and risk their lives to deliver them to the outside world, in the hope that the truth would be revealed. Directed by Shen Ao (No More Bets), the film will open theatrically in the US and Canada on August 15, ahead of a planned streaming rollout later this year. Recognised for its emotional weight and stark portrayal of a national trauma, Dead To Rights has resonated deeply with audiences in China. The film's Douban rating, a key gauge of public sentiment, reached 8.6 out of 10. A popular comment on Douban observed, "The simplicity and restraint of the storytelling make every scene piercingly poignant. The few images — such as the knife held to a baby, the rolling heads, the red river of blood — are more than enough to communicate the horror. The film doesn't sensationalise; it lets these chilling images speak for themselves." 'Lost in deep thought' On ticketing platform Maoyan, one user shared a poignant reflection after taking two children to see the film: "At first, I was worried they'd be scared, but then I realised: if we can't face history, what will we do in the future? I want them to understand real history, which is harsher than what's depicted in the movie. Our land must never be surrendered!" In another post, a Maoyan user recalled a tender moment after the screening, when a young girl asked her mother if there were any "post-credit scenes." The mother replied, "The true 'post-credit scene' is when we step out of the cinema." "Indeed, the lively streets, the bustling crowd, the smell of food in the air — this is the true miracle," noted the comment. This sentiment captures the essence of the film's call to cherish the peace and vitality of modern China, all made possible by the sacrifices of the past. Renowned director Feng Xiaoning, speaking in a video circulated widely online, shared his reaction to the film. "When the film ended, the entire audience remained seated, unmoving, until the credits had fully rolled. Everyone was lost in deep thought," he said. "I believe every Chinese person, and everyone in the world with a conscience, will be shaken by this film." By the end of Sunday, its third day of release, Dead To Rights had grossed over 400 million yuan ($56 million), with over 10 million admissions nationwide, according to data from Maoyan. Largely driven by this film, China's daily box office on Sunday surpassed 300 million yuan, marking the first time in 154 days that the threshold had been crossed. According to Maoyan's latest projection, Dead To Rights is expected to earn more than 3.2 billion yuan in total revenue, a substantial upward revision from earlier estimates.
The Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
2nd LD-Writethru-China Focus: Film on Nanjing Massacre ignites strong emotions across China
BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- A harrowing new Chinese film about the Nanjing Massacre has stirred strong emotions across the country, sparking widespread reflection on a traumatic chapter in China's history. "Dead To Rights" centers on a group of Chinese civilians who take refuge in a photography studio during the Japanese aggressors' brutal occupation of Nanjing. In a desperate attempt to stay alive, they are forced to assist a Japanese military photographer in developing film -- only to discover that the negatives contain damning evidence of atrocities committed by Japanese forces across the city. They secretly keep the negatives and risk their lives to deliver them to the outside world, in the hope that the truth would be revealed. Recognized for its emotional weight and stark portrayal of a national trauma, "Dead To Rights" has resonated deeply with audiences. The film's Douban rating, a key gauge of public sentiment, reached 8.6 out of 10. A popular comment on Douban observed, "The simplicity and restraint of the storytelling make every scene piercingly poignant. The few images -- such as the knife held to a baby, the rolling heads, the red river of blood -- are more than enough to communicate the horror. The film doesn't sensationalize; it lets these chilling images speak for themselves." On ticketing platform Maoyan, one user shared a poignant reflection after taking two children to see the film: "At first, I was worried they'd be scared, but then I realized: if we can't face history, what will we do in the future? I want them to understand real history, which is harsher than what's depicted in the movie. Our land must never be surrendered!" In another post, a Maoyan user recalled a tender moment after the screening, when a young girl asked her mother if there were any "post-credit scenes." The mother replied, "The true 'post-credit scene' is when we step out of the cinema." "Indeed, the lively streets, the bustling crowd, the smell of food in the air -- this is the true miracle," noted the comment. This sentiment captures the essence of the film's call to cherish the peace and vitality of modern China, all made possible by the sacrifices of the past. Renowned director Feng Xiaoning, speaking in a video circulated widely online, shared his reaction to the film. "When the film ended, the entire audience remained seated, unmoving, until the credits had fully rolled. Everyone was lost in deep thought," he said. "I believe every Chinese person, and everyone in the world with a conscience, will be shaken by this film." By the end of Sunday, its third day of release, "Dead To Rights" had grossed over 400 million yuan (56 million U.S. dollars), with over 10 million admissions nationwide, according to data from Maoyan. Largely driven by this film, China's daily box office on Sunday surpassed 300 million yuan, marking the first time in 154 days that the threshold had been crossed. According to Maoyan's latest projection, "Dead To Rights" is expected to earn more than 3.2 billion yuan in total revenue, a substantial upward revision from earlier estimates.
The Star
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Chinese actor Zhang Yiyang executed by firing squad after murdering underage girlfriend
Chinese singer-actor Zhang Yiyang was executed by firing squad on Dec 18, 2024, after being convicted of the murder of his 16-year-old girlfriend. He was 33 at the time of his death. According to a recently released court document from the Intermediate People's Court of Xianyang City in Shaanxi province, Zhang lured the victim – who was 15 when they started dating – into a forest in Xingping city on Feb 26, 2022. When she expressed her intention to end the relationship, a heated argument broke out, during which Zhang fatally stabbed her in the neck. Following the attack, Zhang returned home to change his clothes and disposed of both the bloodied garments and the victim's mobile phone by throwing them into a river. He then checked into a hotel, where he attempted to take his own life but was discovered by a staff member who alerted the police. The court described Zhang's actions as extremely violent and socially harmful. His pattern of emotional manipulation, including repeated threats of suicide to control the victim, further influenced the court's decision to uphold his death sentence after a failed appeal. The case sent shockwaves across mainland China. It marks the first time a celebrity in the country was legally executed for a criminal offense. In the wake of the news, netizens slammed the posthumous release of Zhang's film Jie You Yin Sheng Guan, which premiered in March this year. Users on Douban (a Chinese online database for film, books, music and more), also bombarded the film's page with one-star ratings, condemning its release given that its lead actor had been executed for the murder of an underage girl. Those suffering from mental health issues or contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim's Family, Social and Community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929, visit for a full list of numbers and operating hours, or email sam@
New Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Chinese actor Zhang Yiyang executed for 16-year-old girlfriend's murder
BEIJING: Chinese actor Zhang Yiyang was reportedly executed by firing squad in December last year for the murder of his 16-year-old girlfriend. AsiaOne reported yesterday that Yiyang, who was 34 years old, is the first celebrity in China to have received a death sentence. According to court documents reportedly released by Xianyang authorities in Shaanxi, his girlfriend, identified only as Miss Zhang, was 15 when they began dating and had expressed a desire to end their relationship. Yiyang opposed the breakup and, during their arguments, threatened to take his own life. On Feb 26, 2022, he lured her to a forest under the pretence of celebrating her birthday. There, he fatally attacked her with a pocketknife, severing her carotid artery and windpipe with multiple cuts. Following the brutal act, he returned home to change his clothes, subsequently disposing of them and her mobile phone in a river. Court documents also revealed that he then attempted suicide at a hotel, but was discovered by staff who alerted the police. He was sentenced to death for intentional homicide and was executed on Dec 18, 2024. Yiyang's film, 'Jie You Yin Sheng Guan', was released posthumously in March this year. Recently, netizens on the platform Douban began giving the film one-star ratings, heavily criticising its release despite its lead actor being a convicted murderer.
Gulf News
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
The Bad Kids: The must-watch Chinese thriller that broke the internet
Dubai: Sure, we all love a celestial showdown between glowing immortals in silk robes. But if you're in the mood for a dark, grounded thriller with real-world stakes, The Bad Kids (2020) is the Chinese drama you can't afford to skip. This critically acclaimed crime thriller blends the eerie atmosphere of Stranger Things with the psychological tension of Gone Girl —set not in a mystical realm, but in a deceptively peaceful seaside town in China. At the heart of the story are three kids who accidentally film a cold-blooded murder. Zhu Chaoyang is the quiet overachiever with emotional baggage. Yan Liang is his scrappy, street-smart childhood friend. And Pupu? She's a tragic wildcard with a sick brother and a survival instinct that could slice steel. Together, they spiral into a chilling game of cat-and-mouse with a murderer who just happens to be their substitute math teacher. This C-drama isn't here to comfort you. It throws morality out the window, asking: how far would you go to protect yourself—or your secrets? And yes, the now-iconic line 'Shall we go climbing?' became a viral code for betrayal and looming danger across Chinese social media. The Bad Kids earned rave reviews from critics and fans alike. On Douban, China's top review platform, it boasts a near-perfect rating. Even legendary actress Zhang Ziyi praised its production, calling it as gripping as any Western prestige series. With its haunting cinematography, slow-burn suspense, and psychologically rich plot, this 12-episode Chinese mini-series redefined what a modern crime drama can be. So if you're searching for the best Chinese thrillers to binge, The Bad Kids should be at the top of your list. No magic powers. No ancient realms. Just one camera, one murder, and one very bad decision.
