On August 22, the Canadian premiere of Dongji Rescue had viewers wiping away tears 😢. This sweeping WWII drama, directed by Guan Hu and Fei Zhenxiang, shines a spotlight on a daring 1942 rescue off the Zhoushan coast.
The story centers on the Lisbon Maru, a Japanese ship carrying British POWs. After it was torpedoed, hundreds of prisoners were trapped below deck. In a move that reads like epic fan fiction, local fishermen from Dongji Island braved enemy fire to save dozens of survivors 🌊🙌.
Audiences praised the film's IMAX-quality cinematography and powerful storytelling. Many said it offered a fresh look at China's role in World War II—an angle often missing from mainstream war narratives. 'I felt so proud of the resilience of the Chinese spirit,' one viewer shared.
With an $80 million budget, the movie's emotional punch has already won hearts in China, London, and now Canada. For young movie lovers and history buffs alike, Dongji Rescue delivers both a cinematic thrill and a lesson in courage 🎬✨.
Reference(s):
Reactions from Canadian audiences at the premiere of Dongji Rescue
cgtn.com
