China premiered the film “Evil Unbound” in Harbin, highlighting the Unit 731 atrocities committed during World War II. The film reveals the human suffering caused by Japan’s secret germ warfare unit.
The world premiere took place on September 17, 2025, in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, the former site of Unit 731. Attendees included filmmakers, historians, and the public. The event coincided with the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, a milestone in China’s resistance against Japanese aggression and a reminder of the crimes of Unit 731.
Director Zhao Linshan said the production team relied on extensive historical documents to ensure accuracy. He added that the film reminds audiences of wartime horrors and reinforces awareness of Unit 731 atrocities.
The story centers on Wang Yongzhang, a local vendor, and other victims imprisoned in Unit 731’s “special prison.” They were promised freedom if they cooperated with health research. Instead, they faced brutal experiments, including frostbite tests, gas exposure, and vivisection.
Jin Chengmin, curator of the Exhibition Hall of Evidence of Crimes Committed by Unit 731, stated that real history was even more brutal than the film depicts. He hopes the movie raises public awareness and encourages academic study of Unit 731 atrocities.
Unit 731 operated as a top-secret biological and chemical warfare base in Pingfang District, Harbin. Historical records indicate that at least 3,000 people were experimented on. Japan’s biological weapons killed over 300,000 people in China. These facts underline the scale of Unit 731 atrocities.
The film drew strong public interest even before release. Advance ticket sales reached 108 million yuan, and 4.5 million users expressed interest in watching it. On opening day, theaters scheduled more than 217,000 screenings.
The movie will also screen internationally, including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macao. Observers say this global release educates audiences about the historical Unit 731 atrocities.
The Harbin site remains the largest surviving ruins of a Japanese germ warfare base. Authorities stress its historical and educational significance. It has been on China’s tentative list of world cultural heritage sites since 2012.
Through “Evil Unbound,” filmmakers aim to preserve memory, honor victims, and warn future generations. The film highlights the full scale of Unit 731 atrocities while promoting reflection on peace and human rights.
