The film Evil Unbound (731) premieres in Changchun on Sept 17 before its global release. [Photo/Cailian News] 

The film Evil Unbound (731) premiered in Changchun, Northeast China's Jilin province, on Sept 17, one day ahead of its nationwide and global release on Sept 18.

The film has already set records in Chinese film history as the most anticipated title, with the highest cumulative and single-day "want-to-watch" entries and the largest number of screenings on opening day.

The premiere coincided with the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War. Director Zhao Linshan, producer Zhuang Yan, executive producer Zhang Wang, and stars like Jiang Wu, Li Naiwen, and Sun Qian attended the event, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and reflections with the Changchun audience.

The film depicts atrocities committed by the Japanese Army's Unit 731 in Harbin's Pingfang district during the final stage of World War II, where civilians were subjected to lethal experiments under Japan's wartime bacteriological warfare program.

The cast and crew share their feelings about the film on the stage. [Photo/Cailian News]

At the event, Zhao Linshan emphasized the film's origins in reverence for history and pursuit of truth, stressing that it was not meant to incite hatred but to honor the victims and remind audiences – especially the younger generation – of the importance of remembering and cherishing peace. Producer Zhuang Yan echoed this, describing the film as a work born of historical responsibility.

The cast also shared their experiences. Jiang Wu said he hoped to "speak for those who endured and lost their lives", while Li Naiwen noted that each role carried deep personal stories.

The creative team expressed hope that audiences worldwide will confront this chapter of history and carry forward its lessons. Previously, at the Harbin premiere, Jin Chengmin, director of the Unit 731 Exhibition Hall, affirmed the film's historical and academic grounding, noting its authenticity and importance.