Evil Unbound has emerged as one of the most notable films during China’s eight-day National Day holiday. The film depicts atrocities committed by Japan’s notorious Unit 731. Its success highlights audience interest in historical narratives and themes of peace.
According to the China Film Administration, the 2025 National Day box office from October 1 to 8 generated nearly 1.84 billion yuan. This is down from 2.1 billion yuan during last year’s seven-day period. Evil Unbound ranked second in daily charts for six consecutive days starting October 2.
Chen Kaige’s war epic The Volunteers: Peace at Last led the holiday charts, earning 451 million yuan. Evil Unbound followed with around 345 million yuan. Other top films included A Writer’s Odyssey II, Row to Win, and Sound of Silence. They collected 295 million yuan, 219 million yuan, and 175 million yuan, respectively.
Evil Unbound centers on Unit 731, a secret Japanese biological and chemical warfare base in Harbin during World War II. Historical records show the unit experimented on at least 3,000 people and used biological weapons that killed over 300,000 individuals in China. The film portrays these horrors and stresses the importance of remembering history.
The film’s box office success mirrors the summer hit Dead to Rights, which focused on the 1937 Nanjing Massacre. Both films resonate with audiences, addressing themes of historical memory, justice, and peace. Analysts say such films boost interest in historical education and national reflection.
Industry experts suggest that Evil Unbound’s popularity shows the strong demand for historically themed films. Its success may inspire future productions that combine strong storytelling with historical accuracy. Moreover, the film shows how cinema can help audiences understand past tragedies while promoting reflection on peace.
Looking ahead, Evil Unbound is expected to continue strong box office performance. Its achievement underscores the role of cinema in shaping cultural memory and influencing social consciousness.
