Fans were “so shocked that they wanted to watch it again and again”, while overseas audiences “finally understood why the Chinese nation can create miracles in desperate situations”
Yesterday, the film “Dongji Island” held a “Let the World Know” cloud roadshow. Director Guan Hu and Fei Zhenxiang, producer Liang Jing, along with actors Zhu Yilong, Wu Lei, and Ni Ni, gathered in Putuo, Zhoushan, on this land where the story unfolded. Through virtual connections, they engaged in deep exchanges with audiences at the Beijing venue, while viewers from 888 cinemas across China joined in, collectively witnessing this emotionally moving “return to historical authenticity.” Based on the true event of Chinese fishermen risking their lives to rescue British POWs 83 years ago, the film brought many viewers to tears during its screening. Some were moved by the fishermen’s courage in saving lives amidst raging waves, while others were touched by the unwavering sense of duty embodied in “the Chinese dictionary never lacks for compassion.” The heart-stirring scenes equally resonated with international audiences. The Chinese fishermen’s bravery in turbulent waters and their selfless rescue of strangers finally revealed to them why —— this nation always creates miracles in desperate situations. “This film shows the Chinese people’s transcendent love that crosses borders. They demonstrated what true kindness and responsibility mean through their actions—a quality that remains invaluable in today’s world,” remarked an overseas viewer.
Directed by Guan Hu and Fei Zhenxiang, the film is written by Chen Shu, Dong Runnian, Zhang Ji, and Fei Zhenxiang. Produced by Liang Jing as producer and executive producer, it stars Zhu Yilong, Wu Lei, and Ni Ni in leading roles, with additional appearances by Yang Haoyu, Chen Minghao, Ni Dahong, William Franklin Miller, Li Jiuxiao, and Wang Yiquan. The movie is currently in theaters nationwide.
After completing the “miracle”, the Chinese fishermen left without a trace
Inspired by the “hidden achievements and fame” of the fishermen’s ancestors, the creators decided to let the world see China’s righteousness
Stepping onto this land steeped in historical weight, the creators ‘narratives overflow with reverence for their fisherman forebears and a profound sense of mission. Eighty-three years after those 198 fishermen accomplished their “earth-shaking feat,” they remained anonymous, never seeking recognition. Director Guan Hu was profoundly moved by this spirit of “letting go without seeking glory” and resolved to honor his predecessors. The official government-compiled list of these heroes became an unshakable responsibility he couldn’t shirk. Through cinema, he aims to amplify this silent compassion into a thunderous resonance, letting the world hear this story as the film reaches global audiences. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the World Anti-Fascist War victory. As *Dongji Island* travels from Chinese screens to international screens, it serves as a cultural calling card etched with China’s indomitable spirit. Fei Zhenxiang candidly notes that Eastern battlefields are often marginalized in global historical narratives, yet Chinese pioneers fought bloody battles for fourteen years, tying down most Japanese forces. The film’s global journey aims to declare: Every Chinese person is a hero, evil will be exposed to sunlight, and righteousness deserves eternal commemoration.
The film not only presents a grand international vision but also demonstrates meticulous craftsmanship in preserving traditional culture. To authentically recreate historical settings, the production team revived Zhoushan’s nearly lost traditional wooden shipbuilding techniques. Liang Jing recalled that artisans skilled in this craft are now few and far between. After three months of intensive research with intangible cultural heritage inheritors and folk artisans, the crew successfully crafted over a dozen functional fishing boats. The actors brought fishermen to life through detailed performances. Zhu Yilong deliberately incorporated sea worship rituals into Ah Bi’s (played by Zhu Yilong) movements to better portray fishermen’s essence — throwing the first bite of catch back into the ocean after harvesting fish—a tradition reflecting ancient reverence for nature and survival wisdom. Wu Lei’s portrayal of Ah Dang (played by Wu Lei) gazing at the prisoner-of-war ship conveyed profound reflections on societal changes, aiming to show Ah Dang how China has evolved from a small fishing boat in 1942 to an aircraft carrier in 2025: “A light boat has already passed countless mountains.” Ni Ni shared her emotional attachment to the funeral scene for Wu Lao Da (played by Ni Dahong), which left her deeply moved. The grief and indignation of Ah Hua (played by Ni Ni) mirrored both the heartache of losing a loved one and the awakening resolve that “blood debts must be repaid with blood.”
The rescuers and fishermen watched the film and were moved to tears. They thanked the creators for “letting the world see the stories of their ancestors”
Descendants of British POWs express their gratitude to the Chinese: The goodwill and courage across borders deserve to be seen by the whole world!
The event resonated deeply with both historical and contemporary audiences. Wu Buyi, Wu Xiaofei, Sun Lihui, Hu Yifang, and Liang Yindi—descendants of the rescued fishermen—were moved to tears as scenes overlapping with their ancestors ‘stories unfolded on screen, “as if we’ve traveled through time to witness our forebears ‘spirit.” They also thanked the filmmakers for bringing this little-known heroic act to global attention. Mrs.Winnie, a descendant of British POWs, moved the entire audience with her choked-out speech on behalf of 384 families saved: “Without these Chinese fishermen, these families would have carried dark memories forever. Now, this story has become a beacon of warmth and hope etched in our family heritage—a testament to cross-border compassion and courage.” British actor Li Kaiwen, who portrayed the British POW, shared his profound impact: “The fishermen’s selfless love and the professionalism of the Chinese crew on set revealed China’s vision to transcend racial and cultural barriers. I hope this power will resonate worldwide.” International students at the event emotionally recounted how their kindness during studies in China found its warmest expression in the film — Chinese people help others not for gain but from instinct—the brightest manifestation of humanity they’ve ever witnessed!
From the waters of Dongji Island to global screens, “Dongji Island” reveals how 83 years ago, fishermen braved raging waves in fishing boats, defending life’s dignity and upholding noble justice. Eighty-three years later, this film reaches worldwide audiences, exposing the truth while celebrating heroic compassion. When silent acts of bravery awaken and cross-border kindness is seen, more people will understand: The backbone of the Chinese nation has always been hidden in ordinary people’s choices! Every Chinese can be a hero!
The film “Dongji Island” is co-directed by Guan Hu and Fei Zhenxiang, with screenwriting by Chen Shu, Dong Runnian, Zhang Ji, and Fei Zhenxiang. Produced by Liang Jing as producer and executive producer, it stars Zhu Yilong, Wu Lei, and Ni Ni in leading roles, alongside Yang Haoyu, Chen Minghao, Ni Dahong, William Franklin Miller, Li Jiuxiao, Wang Yiquan, and other cast members. The production is backed by Beijing Seven Impressions Culture Co., Ltd., Shanghai Taopiaopiao Film & TV Culture Co., Ltd., Pearl River Film Group Co., Ltd., Beijing Enlight Pictures Co., Ltd., China Film Industry Group Corporation, Seven Impressions (Zhoushan) Film & Media Co., Ltd., Jiangxi Film Group Co., Ltd., Seven Impressions (Wuxi) Film & Media Co., Ltd., Shaanxi Cultural Projection Industry Investment Management Co., Ltd., and Beijing Jingxi Culture Tourism Co., Ltd. Co-production partners include Changying Group Co., Ltd., Youth Light (Chengdu) Film & TV Co., Ltd., Buer Film Co., Ltd. (Xiamen), Shanghai Film Group Co., Ltd., Seven Impressions (Haining) Film & Media Co., Ltd., Jiangxi Galaxy Film Co., Ltd., Qingdao Tongruixin Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership), Shandong Darunmin Life Plaza Co., Ltd., Beijing Langyun Film & TV Co., Ltd., Beijing Weimeng Chuangke Network Technology Co., Ltd., and Huawen Image (Beijing) Film Co., Ltd. Distributors include Shanghai Taopiaopiao Film & TV Culture Co., Ltd. and Beijing Seven Impressions Culture Co., Ltd., with overseas distribution handled by Seven Impressions Culture Hong Kong Co., Ltd. Currently in theaters nationwide.
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