"Dead to Rights": A Cinematic Reflection on the Nanjing Massacre

"Dead to Rights," China's entry for the international Oscar, is a poignant drama set against the backdrop of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Directed by Shen Ao, the film follows A-Chang, a postal worker who masquerades as a photo developer to survive the Japanese occupation while secretly sheltering a group of civilians. The narrative is based on the real-life figure Luo Jin, who documented atrocities committed by the Japanese Imperial Army, ultimately serving as critical evidence in the 1946 Nanjing War Crimes Tribunal.

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The film intricately weaves themes of survival and moral complexity. A-Chang, portrayed by Liu Haoran, finds himself in a precarious position, working under Hideo Ito, a Japanese army photographer played by Daichi Harashima. Ito is tasked with capturing both the façade of Japanese-Chinese friendship and the brutal realities of war, including forbidden images of violence. A-Chang's journey intensifies as he learns to develop photographs that could expose these atrocities, while simultaneously hiding Jin Chengzong, the studio owner, and his family in a secret room.

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The film's tension escalates with the introduction of Lin Yuxiu, an opera singer who narrowly escapes assault by Japanese soldiers. Her character, along with Wang Guanghai, a local interpreter, showcases the varying responses of individuals under extreme duress. The performances are noted for their depth, particularly Harashima's portrayal of a soldier caught between duty and morality.

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"Dead to Rights" employs a mix of large-scale action sequences and intimate character-driven moments. The film opens with a sweeping depiction of Nanjing's fall, transitioning to claustrophobic settings that heighten the sense of dread. Cinematographer Wang Tianxing utilizes suggestion and layered sound design to create an atmosphere that reflects the horrors of the time. However, some critics note that the film's later melodrama, particularly its patriotic messaging, feels inconsistent with its earlier gritty realism.

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The film has been recognized for its emotional impact and historical significance, serving as a reminder of the atrocities of the Nanjing Massacre. Shen Ao and his co-writers, Xu Luyang and Zhang Ke, emphasize the importance of remembering this dark chapter in history, highlighting the role of photography as a tool for justice.

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While "Dead to Rights" has garnered praise for its performances and direction, some critics point out the tonal inconsistencies in its final act. The shift towards overt patriotic sentiment has been viewed as a departure from the film's earlier, more nuanced exploration of human suffering and resilience.

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• “The only real let-down is some clunky melodrama in the final passages.” — Variety Review

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• “Suggestion is masterfully employed elsewhere, with half-glimpsed images on the edge of cinematogrpaher Wang Tianxing’s probing camera and superbly layered sound design creating a sustained atmosphere of dread and leaving no doubt that this place at this moment in time is truly hell on Earth.” — Variety Review

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"Dead to Rights" stands as a significant cinematic work that not only recounts a painful historical event but also invites reflection on the complexities of human nature in times of crisis.

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