A new historical drama, "Against All Odds," opened in Chinese theaters on September 3, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World War II. The film recounts the little-known story of the Dongjiang Column's rescue of American pilots behind enemy lines in Hong Kong.
Produced by Shenzhen Film Studio in collaboration with state-backed distributors Huaxia Film and Pearl River Film Group, the project was supervised by acclaimed director Huang Jianxin and directed by Liu Haoliang.
The plot draws from the real operations of the Dongjiang Column's Kowloon Brigade, which was the only organized resistance force throughout Japan's three-year, eight-month occupation of Hong Kong beginning in December 1941. This guerrilla unit successfully rescued dozens of Allied pilots and international civilians, including members of the American "Flying Tigers" squadron.
The film focuses on a tense 48-hour mission to save a U.S. pilot, played by Mitchell Hogge, after his plane was shot down. Han Geng stars as an undercover operative who helped members of the Dongjiang Column penetrate enemy lines under extreme conditions.
Director Liu Haoliang stated that the film emphasizes "life, not killing—finding a way out, not focusing on wounds," aiming to present a narrative of hope and international solidarity amid the brutality of war.
To authentically recreate 1944 Hong Kong, the production team built a meticulous 1:1 replica of Hung Hom and Wan Chai streetscapes — not in Hong Kong, but in Shenzhen's Pingshan area.
Author | Feng Huiting
Photo | Against All Odds
Editor | Huang Qini, James Campion, Shen He
