---
title: "Death Ray on Coral Island"
year: 1980
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/death-ray-on-coral-island-1980"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 318608
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
community_rating: 6.2
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# Death Ray on Coral Island (1980) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/death-ray-on-coral-island-1980

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Death Ray on Coral Island is a film first released in 1980. Catalogued under Science Fiction, Thriller. Produced and broadcast by Shanghai Film Studio. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "China's first sci‑fi film pits a futuristic weapon against a scheming America."

### Why Watch
- Historic first Chinese science‑fiction effort
- Bold Cold‑War satire
- Reflects pivotal Cultural Revolution era

### Caveats & Content Note
- Campy tone may feel dated
- Production values reflect 1980s constraints
- Tone & Suitability: The film’s overt propaganda and campy style suit viewers interested in historical cinema rather than mainstream entertainment.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: camp, political, retro-futuristic, thriller

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/death-ray-on-coral-island-1980#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Zhang Hongmei
- **Networks / Studios**: Shanghai Film Studio

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Qiao Qi** as *马太博士*
- **Zhihao Ling** as *Zhao Qian*
- **Zhen Qiao** as *Chen Tianhong*
- **Ma Junqin** as *Meng Na*
- **Qiu Yuefeng** as *马莱斯歇*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What genre does the film belong to?
It is classified as science‑fiction and thriller.

### Q: When was the film released?
It was released in 1980.

### Q: Why is the film considered historically significant?
It is cited as the first science‑fiction film produced in China and reflects the legacy of the Great Cultural Revolution.

### Q: Who is portrayed as the antagonist?
The United States is depicted as the cunning archenemy seeking China’s futuristic weaponry.

### Q: Is there an English-language version?
The provided sources do not specify an English version or subtitle availability.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Death Ray on Coral Island — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/318608)
- [Death Ray on Coral Island (1980) | DIV.cz](https://div.cz/film/death-ray-on-coral-island)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*