World War 2 Japan

 

I’m writing this late but I had to do a special on World War 2 with Japan because September 2nd was the 80th anniversary of the end of World War 2 with Japan. This marked the total end of this World War  and so much is talked about the war in Europe but so many suffered and died during the Japanese siege on the many islands in the Pacific. You know, I remember when a Japanese soldier was found on an island, in 1974, still believing the war was on. I was dumbfounded that he hid for all those years. Anyhoo, here are my 3..

1. THE SANDS OF IWO JIMA-1949

This stars John Wayne as the head of a group of men he must get into shape to survive the perils of the jungle and the Japanese force. He is not liked by his men but, when they start fighting, the quickly realize why he was so hard on them. Over time, many men die in battle but the men start to gain more respect for the soldier in charge. This is a pretty gritty war film that does hold up even after all these years. It’s well acted and the cinematography is great.

2. HELL IN THE PACIFIC-1968

This stars only 2 people, Lee Marvin and Toshiro Mifune as 2 men stranded on a deserted island during the war. They are enemies trying to outwit the other with the Japanese man having water and the American needing it. Over time they form an uneasy alliance as they try to survive and find a way off the island. It is well acted, tense and leaves you riveted wanting more. The stars own the film and this was my introduction to the great actor Toshiro Mifune.

3. HACKSAW RIDGE-2016

This is an excellent film based on a true story of Desmond Doss who signed on, but refused to carry a gun. Labeled a conscientious objector, he worked as a medic, during the battle of Okinawa. He ended up saving 75 men, carrying each one to the edge of the cliff they were on, lowering them down to the men below before going to the next one. Even when wounded, he continued to save the men, while under fire, before, finally, lowering himself to safety. He is the only conscientious objector to receive 2 bronze stars. This film stars Andrew Garfield who delivers a superb performance as the deeply religious man who wants to be part of the war but without killing anyone. You see how badly he was mistreated by his own fellow soldiers until he saves all the men. It is a brutal film without relenting the horrors of war. It is directed by, yup, Mel Gibson, and despite my dislike for this man, he delivered an A1 film. The editing is excellent and the acting, superb. 

What films about WW2 films, set in the Pacific, China, Japan can you think of?