A new Chinese historical drama titled “731” will premiere globally on September 18, 2025, shedding light on the harrowing human experiments conducted by Japan’s infamous germ warfare unit during World War II. Directed by Zhao Linshan, the film narrates the experiences of Wang Yongzhang, a local vendor, and others who fell victim to the brutal medical experiments carried out by the occupying Japanese forces.
The film portrays how these individuals were lured by false promises of freedom, only to be subjected to horrific experiments that included frostbite testing, gas exposure, and vivisection. This dramatic retelling serves as a poignant reminder of the suffering endured by many during the war.
Unit 731, established in Harbin, the capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, was a secretive research facility focused on biological and chemical warfare. Recently declassified documents from the Public Relations Center of the Russian Federal Security Service have provided new insights into the unit’s operations. These documents reveal that Unit 731 not only conducted continuous human experiments but also unleashed pathogen-carrying artillery shells on Chinese civilians to measure infection rates and evaluate the effectiveness of various pathogens.
The film’s historical adviser, Jin Chengmin, who heads the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army, emphasized the importance of remembering this dark chapter in history. He stated, “This is a history that must never be forgotten. The film reveals the inhumane atrocities committed by the invading Japanese army through the eyes of ordinary civilians, while highlighting the unyielding resistance spirit of the Chinese people in the face of despair.”
The premiere coincides with significant anniversaries, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It also aligns with the September 18 Incident in 1931, which initiated Japan’s 14-year invasion of China. This period resulted in over 35 million casualties, both military and civilian, as Japanese troops committed numerous crimes that have drawn widespread condemnation.
As “731” prepares to debut, it serves not only as a historical account but also as a powerful reminder of the need to safeguard peace and remember the past. The film aims to bring the stories of those who suffered to a broader audience, ensuring that their experiences and the lessons learned are not forgotten.
