Editor's note: Wang Yan, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is an associate research fellow of the Country and Area Studies Academy under the Beijing Foreign Studies University. The article reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

It is not first time that the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, a series of wartime atrocities committed by the Japanese Imperial Army in which around 300,000 Chinese civilians and soldiers were butchered, has been portrayed on screen. Yet, "Dead To Rights" has made an unprecedented impact, dominating China's summer box office.

Released domestically on July 25, it topped the charts for a second consecutive weekend last week, grossing over $210 million in total, and briefly becoming the world's highest-grossing movie.

This year is the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. To forget history is to betray it. "Dead To Rights" was made not only to awaken memories of the past, but also to inspire future generations.

It is based on documented atrocities, following the lives of a group of civilians seeking refuge in a photo studio as Nanjing in east China, a major city and once the national capital, falls to the invading Japanese. The group consists of the studio owner's family, a postman who pretends to be studio staff, an interpreter forced to work for the Japanese troops but secretly helping Chinese refugees escape to safety, an actress and a Chinese soldier.

When they are compelled to assist the Japanese military photographer in developing his films, on seeing the horrifying images of massacres, sexual violence and looting, they make a courageous choice to expose the truth to the outside world. They hide the negatives and smuggle them out, fully aware of the risks. These images later serve as irrefutable proof of the atrocities, triggering global condemnation and ultimately, leading to Japan's surrender.

Critics have praised the film for its distinctive perspective, emotionally rich characters, layered storytelling and impressive technical execution. But beyond its artistic merit and social relevance, its true success rests on the powerful emotional connection forged with audiences with its shared values about the nation, its people and humanity that will contribute to shaping the collective conscience.

"Dead To Rights" is also about justice. As the title indicates, it captures the agonizing moments of one of the most egregious war crimes committed during World War II (WWII). Japanese troops slaughtered millions of civilians, subjected women to depraved sexual violence and carried out indiscriminate mass executions. These horrors are vividly depicted through searing imagery such as a knife raised against a baby and blood staining the ground.

Driven by its hegemonic ambitions, Japan abandoned the principles of equality, compassion and conscience. The occupation of Nanjing saw blatant disregard for human rights and dignity, not to mention the rules of war or the Geneva Convention on the treatment of prisoners. The film stirs a deep moral outrage and awakens a desire for justice, while fostering empathy for those who dared to resist oppression and defend what was right.

"Dead To Rights" is also a tribute to patriotism. Many viewers found it difficult to hold back tears, overwhelmed by sorrow for a homeland torn apart. Once beautiful neighborhoods were reduced to rubble and vibrant Nanjing became a place Western media described as "hell under the sun." Yet amid the devastation, there are glimpses of national pride: the studio owner's joy as he shows his family the picturesque landscapes and iconic landmarks of pre-war China, and the photo negatives that show the beauty of everyday life before the war.

This patriotism also shines through the quiet courage, unwavering commitment and remarkable humanity of the group who sacrificed everything to protect the land and the people. The audience is deeply moved by their selfless acts – the soldier who leaves his hiding place to take down a Japanese aggressor, the postman who saves the negatives at the cost of his own life. The film is a reminder that today's peace and prosperity were not easily won; they were forged through unimaginable endurance, courage and sacrifice.

Ultimately, it is a reflection on peace. After watching it, viewers are struck by how miraculous the ordinary seems. Vibrant streets, bustling crowds and the familiar scent of food in the air – these everyday scenes, taken for granted, now feel precious. This realization is the film's message: to treasure the peace, vitality and stability of modern China, built on the sacrifices of those who came before.

That’s why the Chinese title of the film, Nanjing Photo Studio, carries such weight. It symbolizes the memories the aggressors sought to erase but could not.The emotional resonance prompts viewers to reflect not only on a traumatic chapter in China's past but also on the broader human cost of war. Through its powerful performances and historical gravity, the film encourages introspection, both nationally and globally. This week, following its international premiere, it will resonate with all people with a conscience around the world.

It is noteworthy that "Dead To Rights" does not target Japan but condemns the horrors of war. Its goal is not to stir hatred against a specific nation but to inspire a greater appreciation for peace and solidarity. It urges viewers to stand on the side of justice, patriotism and humanity and to work together toward a shared future.

The actor playing the Japanese military photographer is from Japan. His dedication and outstanding performance together with the Chinese cast's made it possible to authentically recreate this painful chapter of history on screen. Without such collaborative effort, the emotional depth and historical truth of the story could not have been fully told.

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, an organization born from the ashes of WWII, with a mission to uphold peace, dignity and equality. The UN Charter says its members are determined "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind." To that end, they are obliged to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace, and for the suppression of acts of aggression or breaches of the peace.

However, while global governance mechanisms like the UN remain essential, for lasting peace, ultimately the concept must take root in the hearts of individuals. "Dead To Rights" serves as a powerful medium for cultivating justice, patriotism and peace. By preserving critical memories, it inspires individuals and nations to face the future with courage and compassion, and make a collective commitment to build a more peaceful and just world.

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