Get ready to step into one of history’s darkest corners 🕰️. This Sept.18, the Chinese historical drama “731” will premiere globally, shining a spotlight on the terrifying human experiments carried out by Japan’s infamous Unit 731 during WWII.
Directed by Zhao Linshan, “731” follows the story of Wang Yongzhang, a local vendor who, along with other residents, was tricked by promises of freedom through health checks and disease prevention studies. Instead, they found themselves at the mercy of frostbite testing, gas exposure tests, and even vivisection 😱.
The film transports viewers to Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang Province on the Chinese mainland, where Unit 731 operated as a top-secret hub for biological and chemical warfare research in China and Southeast Asia.
Declassified documents from the Public Relations Center of the Russian Federal Security Service reveal chilling details: continuous human experiments and pathogen-filled artillery shells launched against hundreds of Chinese people to measure infection rates and test the quality of bioweapons. There was even a covert plan to target the Soviet Union.
“This is a history that must never be forgotten,” says Jin Chengmin, historical adviser of the film and head of the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army. His words echo throughout the movie as a powerful call to remember the past and protect our future.
Through the eyes of ordinary civilians like Wang Yongzhang, “731” doesn’t just tell a story of inhuman cruelty. It also celebrates the unyielding spirit of the Chinese people in the face of despair, reminding us all why peace is something worth fighting for ✌️.
“731” premieres on Sept.18, a date that marks the anniversary of the September 18 Incident in 1931—the day that ignited Japan’s 14-year invasion of China—and falls during the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
With over 35 million military and civilian casualties during the war, the film stands as a tribute to those who suffered and a stark reminder of the horrors that must never repeat 🌍.
Don’t miss “731”, a gripping look at history and a moving tribute to resilience. It’s a must-watch for history buffs, film lovers, and anyone who believes in the power of storytelling to shape the future 🎬.
Reference(s):
Film on Japan's infamous WWII germ warfare unit to debut on Sept. 18
cgtn.com
