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China Selects Past Drama “Dead to Rights” for Oscar Consideration
Table of Contents
- 1. China Selects Past Drama “Dead to Rights” for Oscar Consideration
- 2. How might China’s selection of “Dead to rights” for Oscar contention influence international perceptions of the Nanjing Massacre?
- 3. China Chooses Nanjing Massacre Film ‘Dead to Rights’ for Oscar Nomination Race
- 4. The Selection and its Significance
- 5. About “Dead to Rights”: A Deep Dive into the Film
- 6. The Oscar Campaign: Challenges and Opportunities
- 7. Past Chinese Oscar Submissions: A Historical overview
- 8. The Nanjing Massacre in Film: A Comparative Analysis
- 9. Impact on Sino-Japanese Relations & Historical Memory
Beijing – China has selected Shen Ao’s “Dead to Rights” as its entry for the Best International Feature film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The film, a poignant portrayal of resilience set against a backdrop of historical tragedy, has captivated audiences and critics alike.
“Dead to Rights” is a compelling narrative centered on A Chang,portrayed by Liu Haoran,a postman who assumes a false identity as a photo developer in Japanese-occupied China during the 1937 Nanjing Massacre. He utilizes his position within a Japanese studio to secretly provide shelter and assistance to both Chinese soldiers and civilians risking everything for a quite act of resistance. The script is a collaboration between Shen Ao, Zhang Ke, and xu Luyang.
Produced by Furuo Qing, known for his work on the acclaimed “The Wandering Earth” franchise, the film has experienced notable success both domestically and internationally, being released in north America by Niu Vision Media and Echelon Studios in August.
Since its release in China on July 25, “Dead to rights” has secured over RMB3 billion (approximately $415 million) at the box office, maintaining the top spot for 16 consecutive days during the summer season.
While China is yet to secure a win in the International Feature Oscar category, the country has previously garnered nominations for Zhang Yimou’s “Ju Dou” (1991) and “Hero” (2003). Hong Kong also holds three nominations, including Zhang Yimou’s “Raise the Red Lantern” (1992), Chen Kaige’s “Farewell My Concubine” (1994), and Derek Tsang’s “Better Days” (2021).
Last year’s submission, Fang Li’s documentary “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru,” was unluckily disqualified due to not meeting the academy’s language requirements.
the Academy will announce the shortlist for the International Feature Film category on December 16, with the final five nominees to be revealed on January 22. The selection of “Dead to Rights” signifies China’s ongoing commitment to showcasing its cinematic artistry on a global stage.
How might China’s selection of “Dead to rights” for Oscar contention influence international perceptions of the Nanjing Massacre?
China Chooses Nanjing Massacre Film ‘Dead to Rights’ for Oscar Nomination Race
The Selection and its Significance
China has officially selected “Dead to Rights” (translated title), a harrowing depiction of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, as its entry for the International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. This decision,announced by the China Film Administration on September 27,2025,marks a notable moment,positioning a film centered on a deeply sensitive and historically crucial event for potential global recognition.The Nanjing Massacre, also known as the Rape of Nanjing, remains a contentious issue in sino-Japanese relations and a pivotal point in understanding 20th-century Asian history.Choosing this film for Oscar contention signals China’s intent to present a powerful narrative on the international stage.
About “Dead to Rights”: A Deep Dive into the Film
“Dead to Rights” isn’t a new release; it premiered domestically in late 2024 to critical acclaim and considerable box office success. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Zhang Wei, the film distinguishes itself through:
* Ancient Accuracy: Extensive research and consultation with historians were undertaken to ensure a faithful, albeit emotionally challenging, portrayal of the events. The film aims for a nuanced depiction, focusing on individual stories within the larger tragedy.
* Narrative Focus: Unlike previous cinematic treatments, “Dead to Rights” largely avoids overt political messaging, instead concentrating on the experiences of civilians – both Chinese and foreign – caught in the chaos. This human-centric approach is seen as a key factor in its domestic success.
* Technical Achievements: The film boasts impressive visual effects and sound design, recreating the scale and horror of the siege of Nanjing. Cinematography emphasizes the brutality and desperation of the situation.
* Cast & Crew: The film features a blend of established and emerging Chinese actors, with veteran actor Li Jun playing a central role as a local teacher attempting to protect his students.
The Oscar Campaign: Challenges and Opportunities
China’s Oscar campaigns have historically faced challenges. While several films have been submitted, none have reached the final shortlist. “Dead to Rights” presents both unique hurdles and potential advantages:
* Sensitivity of the Subject Matter: The Nanjing Massacre is a highly sensitive topic, notably in Japan. This could lead to controversy and potentially impact the film’s reception among Academy voters.
* Geopolitical Context: Current geopolitical tensions between China and the West could also influence perceptions of the film.
* Strong Emotional Core: The film’s powerful and emotionally resonant narrative is its greatest strength.If Academy voters connect with the story, it could overcome the aforementioned challenges.
* Increased International Interest in Chinese Cinema: Recent successes of Chinese films in international festivals suggest a growing appetite for diverse cinematic voices.
Past Chinese Oscar Submissions: A Historical overview
To understand the context of this year’s submission, it’s helpful to review past entries:
- 2002: To Live – Directed by Zhang Yimou.
- 2010: Not One Less – directed by Zhang Yimou.
- 2015: Go Away Mr. Tumor – Directed by Han Yan.
- 2019: better Days – Directed by Derek Tsang.
- 2023: Hidden Blade – Directed by Er Dongzhi.
None of these films were nominated. The lack of success highlights the difficulties Chinese films face in breaking through to the Academy’s final selection. Factors contributing to this include limited marketing budgets, cultural differences, and the competitive nature of the category.
The Nanjing Massacre in Film: A Comparative Analysis
Several films have previously addressed the Nanjing Massacre, each with its own approach:
* “The City of Life and Death” (2009): Lu Chuan’s film is perhaps the most well-known international depiction of the massacre, known for its graphic realism.
* “Nanking” (2007): A documentary combining archival footage with interviews of survivors.
* “John Rabe” (2009): A German-Chinese co-production focusing on the efforts of German businessman John Rabe to establish a safety zone for civilians.
“Dead to Rights” differentiates itself by focusing less on the large-scale battles and more on the individual human stories, aiming for a more intimate and emotionally impactful experience. This shift in viewpoint could be a key factor in its potential success.
Impact on Sino-Japanese Relations & Historical Memory
The film’s selection for the Oscars has already sparked debate and discussion. In China, it’s being hailed as a long-overdue recognition of a tragic chapter in the nation’s history. However, the film is likely to be met with resistance and criticism in Japan, were interpretations of the Nanjing Massacre vary substantially. The film’s release and potential success could reignite tensions and further complicate the already delicate relationship between the two countries. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical memory and confronting difficult truths.The film’s Oscar campaign is not just about cinematic achievement; it’s about historical representation and national identity.
