I had the chance to check out Dongji Rescue early, courtesy of Well Go USA Entertainment. Directed by Guan Hu and Fei Zhenxiang, the film stars Zhu Yilong, Wu Lei, Ni Ni, Yang Haoyu, and Yu Shi, among others.
Set in October 1942 during World War II, the film dramatizes the real-life sinking of the Japanese transport ship Lisbon Maru, which tragically trapped hundreds of British POWs. Fishermen from Dongji Island risk everything to save more than 300 prisoners—an act of heroism that has largely gone untold in wartime narratives. I didn’t know anything about this story going in, but learning it was based on true events pulled me in even more and pushed me to look up the historical details. It’s wild that in 2025 we’re still uncovering hidden stories like this.
From a technical standpoint, this is an impressive film. The cinematography is gorgeous, with sweeping shots of the ocean, boats, and coastal villages that make the setting feel alive and grounded in 1942. Much of it was filmed practically and on location, which gives the movie a tangible, period-authentic feel. While there are moments of green screen and CGI—especially in bigger action sequences and some blood effects that look overly cartoony—the overall presentation is strong enough that those weaker spots don’t sink the experience.
The score and sound design stand out as well. The music enhances both the tension and emotion, while the natural soundscape of the sea, storms, and battle moments pulls you into the world of the characters.
Performance-wise, the cast delivers across the board. The story begins by focusing on two brothers who rescue a British POW from the water. Their moral conflict—whether to risk their lives helping him under Japanese occupation—sets the tone for the rest of the film. That conflict between humanity and survival is compelling, and it continues to resonate as the story unfolds.
The film, however, does stumble a bit with characterization. Early on, several characters are well established, likable, and easy to root for, but many of them are killed off abruptly. While that does raise the stakes and push others forward, it also undercuts the emotional impact of their arcs. Later characters, introduced in the back half, don’t feel as fleshed out, which makes it harder to connect with them as strongly. Still, the ensemble delivers heartfelt performances that carry the film.
By the time the story closes, what lingers is its emotional core: ordinary people standing up to extraordinary circumstances, fighting not out of power or duty, but out of humanity and compassion. While I do think stronger characterization would have elevated the film to greatness, Dongji Rescue is still a powerful, technically impressive, and moving piece of wartime storytelling. It’s one of the stronger foreign films I’ve seen this year, and one I can see myself revisiting again. Definitely worth your time.
Rating: 7/10