When Irish actor Tom Fenton stepped onto a film set on the Chinese mainland this year, he was struck by one thing above all: scale. Having called China home for eight years, Fenton has experienced everyday life in the region, but seeing a crew of hundreds and massive sets up close was a whole new thrill.
Fenton stars in the Chinese historical drama "Dongji Rescue," released earlier this year, which recreates a daring 1942 mission. The film tells how fishermen off Zhejiang Province's Dongji Island risked their lives to save 384 British prisoners of war after the Japanese troop ship Lisbon Maru was torpedoed.
"It's incredibly cool to be part of that kind of thing," Fenton said. "Watching the scale of production—hundreds of extras, elaborate period ships, on-location shoots—it really opens your eyes to the ambition of Chinese film projects."
Beyond its dramatic battle scenes and sweeping coastal vistas, "Dongji Rescue" highlights a little-known chapter of World War II history. For global audiences, the film offers both an immersive cinematic experience and a chance to connect with a story of courage and solidarity across cultures.
Industry observers say Chinese cinema has grown rapidly in recent years, becoming a hub for large-scale co-productions and international talent. For actors like Fenton, participating in these projects means joining a creative movement that blends local heritage with global storytelling.
As filmmakers continue to push boundaries on the Chinese mainland, audiences around the world can look forward to more epic dramas that bring history to life on an unprecedented scale.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
