"Dead to Rights," a film about the Nanjing Massacre during World War II, has continued to dominate China's summer box office, grossing over 1.9 billion yuan (about $265 million) since its release on July 25, according to the movie data platform Beacon Pro.

The film has garnered widespread international media attention, ahead of a broader international release on August 15, with screenings scheduled in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore and several other countries.

Prominent international media outlets have reported on its success, including the UK-based film industry publication Screen Daily, which highlighted that "Dead to Rights" topped the global weekend box office last week.

On social media, Chinese audiences have expressed deep emotional responses to the film. Many viewers described it as "painful to watch," yet emphasized its importance as an essential part of historical education that "must not be missed." The film's strong box office performance reflects a broader public resonance with historical memory and a collective commitment to remembering past atrocities.

On Tuesday, China's Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng attended the US premiere of the film in Washington DC, joining American audiences in commemorating one of the darkest chapters of the Second World War.

Xie remarked that during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the global fight against fascism, the Chinese and American peoples stood in solidarity. He noted that this shared struggle left behind a historic legacy of defending peace and justice for humanity, according to a China Daily report.

Directed by Shen Ao, the film draws inspiration from verified wartime photographs and survivor testimonies. Shen has emphasized that "Dead to Rights" is more than a cinematic portrayal — it holds substantial historical and educational significance.