Dead to Rights (2025)
A gripping Chinese historical war drama set against the harrowing backdrop of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, where one man's deception becomes an act of profound courage.
Dead to Rights - Movie Information
- Original Title: 南京照相馆
- Release Year: 2025
- Directed by: Shen Ao
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, War, History
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 2h 17m
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin, Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 25, 2025 (China), September 5, 2025 (United Kingdom - 18), January 7, 2026 (France), November 5, 2025 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Nan jing zhao xiang guan (CN), Dead To Rights (US), مرگ بر حق (IR)
- Production Companies: Super Lion, Yuuya Midia, China Film Group Corporation
- Production Countries: China
Dead to Rights - Plot
During the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, a postman poses as a photo developer, helping Japanese forces while secretly sheltering Chinese refugees. He later risks his life evacuating them and revealing evidence of the atrocities.
Dead to Rights - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the story of sacrifice unfold:
Every Chinese will not forget the history.
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Dead to Rights - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Shen Ao
Main Cast
- Liu Haoran
- Eric Wang Chuanjun
- Gao Ye
- Wang Xiao
- Zhou You
- Yang Enyou
- Daichi Harashima
- Wang Zhener
- Yang Haoyu
- Liu Yichun
Writers
- Shen Ao
- Zhang Ke
- Xu Luyang
Producers
- Wang Yibing
- Zhang Huixia
Dead to Rights - FAQs
Is Dead to Rights based on a true story?
Yes, Dead to Rights is inspired by true events. The film is rooted in the historical reality of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre during the Second Sino-Japanese War, drawing on documented accounts of Chinese civilians and resistance figures who risked their lives to shelter refugees and preserve evidence of the atrocities.
Where can you stream or watch Dead to Rights?
Dead to Rights is available to buy or rent digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. For a full and up-to-date list of streaming and viewing options in your region, check JustWatch.
What is Dead to Rights about?
Dead to Rights follows a postman who disguises himself as a photo developer during the 1937 Nanjing Massacre. While appearing to assist Japanese forces, he secretly shelters Chinese refugees, ultimately risking his life to evacuate them and expose photographic evidence of the war crimes being committed.
Who are the main actors in Dead to Rights?
The film stars Liu Haoran as Su Liuchang, Eric Wang Chuanjun as Wang Guanghai, Gao Ye as Lin Yuxiu, Wang Xiao as Jin Chengzong, Zhou You as Song Cunyi, Yang Enyou as Jin Wanyi, and Daichi Harashima as Hideo Ito, among others.
What is the age rating for Dead to Rights?
Dead to Rights is rated NR (Not Rated) in the United States. International ratings include an 18 certificate in the United Kingdom and a 15 rating in South Korea, reflecting the film's intense and mature depiction of wartime violence and historical atrocities.
How long is Dead to Rights?
Dead to Rights has a runtime of 2 hours and 17 minutes (137 minutes), giving the film ample time to develop its characters and explore the harrowing historical events of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre with dramatic depth and emotional weight.
When was Dead to Rights released?
Dead to Rights premiered in China on July 25, 2025. It subsequently opened in the United Kingdom on September 5, 2025, in South Korea on November 5, 2025, and in France on January 7, 2026, with a US digital release available from August 15, 2025.
What are some movies similar to Dead to Rights?
Viewers who enjoyed Dead to Rights may also appreciate The Eight Hundred (2020), a similarly large-scale Chinese war epic, as well as Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) for its WWII-era perspective, and One Hour Photo (2002) for its thematic connection to photography and hidden truths.
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