China's Summer Box Office Hits 8 Billion Yuan, Nanjing Massacre Film Breaks 2 Billion Yuan Mark

China's summer box office earnings have surpassed 8 billion yuan ($1.1 billion), with a film about the Nanjing Massacre grossing over 2 billion yuan. The film "Dead to Rights" has dominated the box office charts, earning nearly 80 million yuan on Friday. Several films related to China's history of resisting Japanese aggression are set to be released in the coming months.

China's summer movie season has seen remarkable success, with box office earnings surpassing 8 billion yuan ($1.1 billion) as of July 2, 2025 [1]. The summer season, which runs from June 1 to August 31, has been marked by the release of several films commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Among the standout films, "Dead to Rights," a film about the Nanjing Massacre, has dominated the box office. The film, which opened on July 25, has grossed over 2 billion yuan, making it one of the highest-grossing films in China's history. On Friday alone, "Dead to Rights" earned nearly 80 million yuan, further solidifying its position as the top-grossing film of the summer season [2].

The success of "Dead to Rights" can be attributed to its powerful storytelling and artistic execution. The film, directed by Shen Ao, uses minimalistic visuals to convey the horror of the Nanjing Massacre, creating emotional depth and authenticity. The film's layered storytelling and polished production design have resonated with audiences, earning it an 8.6 rating on the Chinese review platform Douban and positive reviews from international press [2].

Several other films related to China's history of resisting Japanese aggression are set to be released in the coming months. "Dongji Rescue" premiered on Friday and earned 69.7 million yuan on its opening day. "Mountains and Rivers Bearing Witness" and "731" are slated for release on August 15 and September 18, respectively, further adding to the rich cultural and historical narrative of the summer season [1].

The summer moviegoing period is the longest single screening season on the Chinese mainland, and this year's box office success reflects the growing interest in historical narratives and the commemoration of significant anniversaries. The success of films like "Dead to Rights" not only highlights the power of storytelling but also underscores the importance of preserving history and promoting peace.

References:
[1] https://www.bastillepost.com/global/article/5097557-chinas-2025-summer-box-office-hits-8-billion-yuan
[2] https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20250806cn45717/cgtn-why-chinese-film-dead-to-rights-topped-global-weekend-box-office