Dongji Rescue: A role that hits different

Over the past decade, Kevin Lee has become one of the most recognizable foreign actors in Chinese cinema. Known for his presence and frequent casting as the antagonist, Lee has appeared in blockbuster hits such as Snipers directed by Zhang Yimou, and The Battle at Lake Changjin and Wolf Warrior alongside Wu Jing. Now, in Dongji Rescue, he takes on a role that feels profoundly different and deeply personal.

For the first time in his career, Lee plays a heroic character: Lieutenant Colonel Stewart, a real life British Army officer who was saved by Chinese fishermen during the Lisbon Maru shipwreck in 1942. The film, while dramatized, is based on true events. Over 1,800 British prisoners of war were aboard a Japanese ship when it was torpedoed near Zhoushan Islands. More than 300 were rescued by local Dongji fishermen who risked everything to protect them.

The UK movie release is confirmed for Aug 22, 2025, a rare moment for a Chinese war epic. Lee is acutely aware that family members of the deceased will be watching, bringing him a deep sense of responsibility. "There was pressure to deliver, to honor the legacy," he said. "But also a sense of patriotism and fulfillment. I gave it everything I had."

This role marks a turning point. After years of playing roles as a villain either feared or hated, Lee finally steps into a role that can be loved and admired. The response has already been overwhelming; his social media has seen a surge in engagement, with millions of views, thousands of likes and comments with audiences responding strongly to the story, the behind the scenes posts, and the anticipation surrounding the release.

Most of Lee's scenes were filmed on blue screen, requiring a heightened level of imagination and emotional depth. "It made the process more creative," he said, "building the world internally rather than reacting to a physical set." Watching actress Ni Ni's approach to her scenes—with pure focus and clear mindset—felt familiar. "It was nice to see a process so similar to mine," Lee noted. The Lisbon set, where key scenes were staged, was a standout. "The attention to detail was incredible," Lee said. "You could feel the weight of history in every corner."

Still, his first scene was filmed on Dongji Island itself—the very place where the real events unfolded. Standing on that soil, knowing it once harbored POWs, was surreal. "I would often look out at sea and take a moment to myself," Lee shared. "It was a poignant feeling. You could sense the history in the air."

Dongji Rescue isn't just another war film. It's a tribute to the bravery of Chinese civilians, to the humanity that transcends borders, and to the power of storytelling to bring forgotten history back into the light.

Liao Yuan contributed to the story.