There are different degrees of plot integration.
In the simplest case, the Nanking memorial is incidental background and could just as easily have been replaced with a public library or Trafalgar Square in London. The plaques are used as almost subliminal communication and no more.
In more complex scripts, the memorial and plaques have a crucial tie-in to the story line. Maybe the clues in a crime thriller are encoded using the plaques as reference, for example.
The first time, the audience will ignore and forget the Nanking references. But do it in a few movies, and the effect will add up. Trust me. This is how advertising works.
It comes back to same point I've been saying. No matter how intrigue the plots get, if it's just a couple scenes, the general public would've not discerned it. Logically so, as they have no clue about Nanking.
What you suggest would work if it's a subject that American public is somewhat familiar with.
To effectively inject the message, a significant part of the movie has to be about Nanking.
It's the same thing; it's about creating brand awareness and the brand in this case is "Nanking atrocities".
The concept is no different.
Concept by itself is the same, but the subject matter is totally different.
Consumer product are not historical events. Brand awareness by advertising works as it's something people can relate to.
Brand: Oral B = toothbrush, a consumer product. Everyone uses it.
Brand: Nanking = historical event: war crime in China. Not everyone can relate to it.
In terms of implementation, it is different too.
Advertisement takes a a few mins or less. And it can be screened repetitively.
A movie takes much longer. You can't replay it over and over again.
No one is going to read up on Nanking.
People who already know about it will go to see the movie. You may get a few curious people who will go to see such a heavy movie. Everyone else (the vast majority) will ignore it and go see some entertainment movie instead.
Read = quick look at movie review or synopsis of movie, which is only a few lines or a few paragraphs. (they can explore further if they have interest)
We are talking about movies, not documentary. Entertainment value differs among audience based on culture, age group, gender,....down to individual taste.
An action flick or sing and dancing movie that doesn't need a good script can be good entertainment to some. Many others prefer movie that is thought provoking. Or a combination of both. A movie on Nanking can be as good a war action movie as it is about the somber subject of Nanking. Case in point: The Flowers of War
Forget China. People in China already know about Nanking; they don't need a movie.
This discussion is about educating people outside China.
So wrong, Nanking movies always top the box office in China.
The specific paragraph that I'm replying to is about "movies profitability." Movies are screened internationally, in China too.