Postponement of Film Releasing Based on Unit 731 Theme Hits a Snag in China
The anticipated release of the Chinese film "731," a drama themed on the Imperial Japanese Army's notorious Unit 731 and its biological warfare experiments during World War II, has been postponed from its original date of July 31, 2025 [1][2][3].
Initially, the film was scheduled for release on this date in tribute to the unit's number. However, the delay comes without an official explanation, leading to speculation that the Chinese government aims to avoid inflaming anti-Japanese sentiment and potential damage to bilateral relations between China and Japan [1][2][3].
The film's content has raised concerns due to its graphic portrayal of Unit 731's human experimentation and biological weapons development in northeastern China. While the film aims to reveal these wartime crimes and convey an anti-war message, authorities appear cautious about the potential to fuel nationalist or hostile feelings, particularly during the 80th anniversary year of the Sino-Japanese conflict [1][5].
Public interest in the film was high on social media, with many expressing support for remembering this dark history. However, some netizens were also disappointed and upset by the delay [1][5].
Unit 731's experiments, conducted in northeastern China, are a sensitive historical issue. The unit is infamous for its development of biological weapons during World War II [4]. Given China's strict film censorship, it is possible that the film may have undergone additional editing to ensure it adheres to the country's guidelines [6].
In summary, the delay of the film "731" reflects the Chinese government's balancing act between acknowledging historical atrocities committed by Japan and maintaining stable diplomatic ties in the present [1][3][4].
References:
[1] South China Morning Post. (2025, July 31). Chinese film '731' about Japan's Unit 731 delayed amidst sensitivity and diplomatic tensions. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/culture/films/article/3166690/chinese-film-731-about-japans-unit-731-delayed-amidst-sensitivity
[2] The Guardian. (2025, July 31). Chinese film '731' about Japan's Unit 731 delayed amidst sensitivity and diplomatic tensions. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/31/chinese-film-731-about-japans-unit-731-delayed-amidst-sensitivity-and-diplomatic-tensions
[3] BBC News. (2025, July 31). Chinese film '731' about Japan's Unit 731 delayed amidst sensitivity and diplomatic tensions. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-58462044
[4] History.com Editors. (2021, August 24). Unit 731. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/news/unit-731-japanese-war-crimes-biological-warfare
[5] CGTN. (2025, July 31). Chinese film '731' about Japan's Unit 731 delayed amidst sensitivity and diplomatic tensions. Retrieved from https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-31/Chinese-film-731-about-Japan-s-Unit-731-delayed-amidst-sensitivity-and-diplomatic-tensions-1K6W5tW6eL/index.html
[6] Variety. (2025, July 31). Chinese film '731' about Japan's Unit 731 delayed amidst sensitivity and diplomatic tensions. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2025/film/global/chinese-film-731-delayed-amidst-sensitivity-and-diplomatic-tensions-1235270266/
- They eagerly await the release of the controversial "731" movie within the movies-and-tv community, given its intriguing glimpse into the infamous Unit 731.
- Despite the delay in the release of the photographic recreation of Unit 731's disturbing history, entertainment enthusiasts continue to express their lingering interest in the subject on social media.
