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Key Points

China has selected Shen Ao's historical drama 'Dead to Rights' as its official submission for the Best International Feature Film Oscar. The film depicts a postman's resistance during the 1937 Nanjing Massacre and has been a massive commercial success in China. This marks China's latest attempt to win its first Oscar in this category after previous nominations for Zhang Yimou's films. The selection comes after last year's submission was disqualified by the Academy for not meeting language requirements.

Key Points: China Submits Dead to Rights for Oscar International Feature

  • Set during 1937 Nanjing Massacre based on documented historical events
  • Stars Liu Haoran as postman sheltering civilians from Japanese forces
  • Grossed over $415 million in China leading box office for 16 days
  • China seeks first Oscar win after two previous nominations by Zhang Yimou
2 min read

China selects 'Dead to Rights' as Oscar submission for Best International Feature Film

Shen Ao's Nanjing Massacre drama 'Dead to Rights' becomes China's Oscar submission after grossing $415 million domestically and leading box office for 16 days.

"The film follows a postman who assumes the identity of a photo developer to survive the Japanese occupation - Variety"

Beijing, September 29

China has chosen Shen Ao's 'Dead to Rights' as its submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, reported Variety.

Written by Shen Ao, Zhang Ke, and Xu Luyang, and set against the backdrop of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, drawing from documented historical events, 'Dead to Rights' follows A Chang (Liu Haoran of the 'Detective Chinatown' franchise), a postman who assumes the identity of a photo developer to survive the Japanese occupation.

Operating from within the walls of a Japanese-controlled studio, he covertly shelters Chinese soldiers and civilians in an act of quiet resistance.

The film is produced by Furuo Qing of 'The Wandering Earth' franchise fame. Niu Vision Media and Echelon Studios released the film in North America in August.

'Dead to Rights' opened in China on July 25 and has grossed more than RMB3 billion ($415 million). It led the local box office for 16 consecutive days over the summer.

China has yet to win the international feature Oscar. The country has scored two nominations in the category to date, with Zhang Yimou's 'Ju Dou' (1991) and 'Hero' (2003).

Hong Kong, which submits separately, has earned three nominations: Zhang Yimou's 'Raise the Red Lantern' (1992), Chen Kaige's 'Farewell My Concubine' (1994) and Derek Tsang's 'Better Days' (2021).

Last year, China submitted Fang Li's documentary 'The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru,' which was disqualified by the Academy for not meeting language requirements.

The Oscar international feature shortlist will be announced on December 16 and the final five nominees will be announced on January 22.

Earlier, Bangladesh's Oscar committee had chosen Leesa Gazi's debut movie 'Barir Naam Shahana' ('A House Named Shahana') as its submission for the best international feature film category at the 98th Academy Awards, reported Variety.

Based on Gazi's 2011 novella, the film is set in rural Bangladesh in the 1990s and follows Dipa, a young woman forced into a marriage with a widower in England.

After enduring abuse, she returns home as a divorcee and confronts the entrenched patriarchal attitudes of her community while pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.

The drama charts her gradual journey from vulnerability to self-determination, as reported by Variety.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Interesting choice by China. The film's box office success shows how much domestic audiences connected with the story. Though I wonder if the Academy will appreciate the historical context as much as Chinese viewers did.
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Arjun K
While I appreciate films about historical resistance, I hope the selection committee focuses purely on cinematic merit rather than political narratives. Last year's disqualification shows how technical rules matter too.
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Sarah B
The Bangladesh submission "Barir Naam Shahana" sounds equally compelling! A woman's journey against patriarchy - these are universal stories that deserve global recognition. Good to see diverse Asian cinema getting represented.
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Vikram M
RMB 3 billion collection is massive! The producer of The Wandering Earth knows how to make commercially successful films. Hope this brings more international attention to Chinese cinema beyond just martial arts films.
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Michael C
As someone who follows international cinema closely, I'm glad to see China continuing to submit quality films. Their two previous nominations were well-deserved. Fingers crossed for this one making the shortlist! 🤞

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