Death Ray on Coral Island

A curious mix of Cold War intrigue and earnest propaganda, played with theatrical flair and dated effects that make it feel both tense and unintentionally funny.

Directed by

Zhang Hongmei

Genres

Science fiction, Thriller

Starring

Qiao Qi, Zhihao Ling, Zhen Qiao

Overview

Said to be the first science-fiction film produced in China (and perhaps having its North American theatrical premiere in Future Imperfect?), Death Ray on Coral Island spares no bile, camp, or latent envy in portraying America as the cunning archenemy that will stop at nothing—industrial espionage, assassinations, even ballroom dancing—to steal China’s futuristic weaponry. The film occupies a pivotal moment in China’s modern history, representing a legacy of the Great Cultural Revolution and a harbinger of the nation’s ascension on the global economic stage. Courtesy of the China Film Archive and Shanghai Film Group.

How it feels

Campy, tense, earnest and satirical. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Technology, politics, war, power

Content

Mild violence, gore and language. No sexual content.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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