WWII Film ‘Dongji Rescue’ Set for UK and European Release

A powerful war epic based on a true World War II event, Dongji Rescue is making its way to theatres across the United Kingdom and Europe. The Chinese blockbuster tells the story of an extraordinary act of bravery by Chinese fishermen who rescued hundreds of British prisoners of war after the torpedoing of a Japanese transport vessel.

Directed by renowned filmmaker Guan Hu, Dongji Rescue depicts the 1942 sinking of the Lisbon Maru, a Japanese ship covertly transporting around 1,800 British prisoners of war (POWs) in the Pacific Theatre of World War II. The vessel was mistakenly struck by an American submarine near Dongji Island, China, leading to one of the war’s deadliest maritime disasters. In a remarkable show of courage, local Chinese fishermen risked their lives to save over 800 British soldiers stranded at sea.

With a production budget of $80 million, the film is among China’s most technically ambitious. It was shot in IMAX format, with more than 40 per cent of the film set underwater. The production employed full-scale ship recreations, advanced robotics, and large water tanks to accurately portray the sinking. Historical accuracy was a top priority, with film crews reconstructing period-specific fishing village architecture on location.

Trinity CineAsia, a U.K.-based speciality film distributor, acquired all regional rights to the movie and will premiere it in the United Kingdom and Ireland on August 22. European markets will follow with a rollout starting August 29. A special premiere is planned for August 15 at London’s Odeon Leicester Square, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day). The event will be attended by the directors, producers, and lead cast.

The cast includes major Chinese stars Zhu Yilong (Lost in the Stars), Wu Lei (Nirvana in Fire), and Ni Ni (The Flowers of War), alongside rising British actor William Franklyn-Miller, who portrays a British army medic hidden by villagers during the chaotic aftermath. American actor Michael Gaston and Chinese veterans Ni Dahong and Li Jiuxiao round out the ensemble.

Cedric Behrel, executive director of Trinity CineAsia, emphasized the film’s emotional depth: “Dongji Rescue is based on a true story which has particular relevance in the United Kingdom, of course, as it involves British prisoners of war in a desperate shipwreck, but also a specific resonance that can connect with everyone everywhere a humanistic, intimate story on a large historic canvas.”

The film is produced by 7th Art Pictures and supported by Enlight Pictures, Tao Piao Piao, and China Film Group. Producer Liang Jing highlighted the importance of the film’s message: “We are delighted to collaborate with Trinity CineAsia… to bring this touching story, buried in the dust of modern history, to global audiences especially to the British audience, so that the descendants of British soldiers who survived that disaster know: we are still here, we still remember this story.”

Set in October 1942, the film centres on brothers Abi and Adang, local fishermen who risk everything to shelter a wounded British soldier after the attack. As Japanese forces launch a manhunt, the villagers unite in a daring mission to save the stranded POWs and reclaim their land.

With themes of sacrifice, brotherhood, and cross-cultural solidarity, Dongji Rescue promises to deliver a gripping and heartfelt experience for audiences across Europe.