The short version: City of Life and Death is a condensation of the 1937 "Rape of Nanking" in which Japanese troops occupied the city and engaged in an orgy of violence that really has no comparison.  The story then follows German diplomat John Rabe's secretary Tang and his family as they try to survive, and escape the desperate situation.

From the beginning, you know you're in for a different experience.  The initial combat sequence is one of the best in recent memory.  From the tangible fear and tension, to the under-produced yet blisteringly real sound and gritty no-nonsense direction....  There's no lead-in apart from some brief narrative on postcards, it just happens.  It is what it is, and that's part of what makes this such an incredible picture.  Events unfold without warning, seemingly without purpose, leaving us (and them) to wonder "what is next?!"

The black and white presentation of the entire movie only adds to the overall feel.  Not only that, but, for me at least, it tempers the graphic violence and inhumanity throughout, and really solidifies the message behind it.  What message?  "China will live on."  This movie is about emotion, not about "how graphic can we make it."

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

After the initial battle scene, the Japanese execute hundreds (more?) of prisoners outright.  Among them is a young boy, Xiaodouji.  He winds up in the "safe zone" for foreigners and embassy workers, along with Mr. Tang and his family, and another survivor (the name eludes me, bloody language barrier)....  From this point we watch as Tang and Rabe attempt to keep these people safe, while Tang also tries to make arrangements to keep his family safe, and eventually leave.  Then the Japanese make headway into the zone, and infamously "recruit" (read enslave) women for their "comfort stations"....

Then there is the tale of Japanese soldier Kadokawa.  He is (as is often the case) a young, impressionable, inexperienced man thrown into the war on the other side, and caught up wholeheartedly in the Japanese nationalist doctrine.  He's forced to contend with trying to survive and deal with what he's seen, and done, and his story is almost as compelling as the Tang family's.  I wouldn't call it sympathetic by any means, but it serves as a valuable counterpoint.

Let me get back to my original statement.  Yes, I feel that this movie is everything that Schindler's List should have been.  Quite frankly it makes Schindler's List look like a bad TV movie.  I've never been a big fan of "List,"  I thought it was forced and pretentious.  I make this comparison for two reasons.  One, the black and white presentation absolutely screams for it.  And two, both films exist to expose and decry the atrocities committed by the other side.   In both these arenas, "City" far surpasses "List", without becoming overly "preachy" or attempting to shove the message down your throat.

Honestly, I can't recall the last time I was affected by a movie like I was in this case.  It was absolutely painful, tear and squirm-inducing, and difficult to watch overall, but at the same time, it was a beautiful, beautiful film, with some sincere moments of joy to be found.

Just so there are no surprises, the film is shot (quite stunningly) in black and white, and is entirely in Mandarin and Japanese, with a few bits of English and German as it pertains to the embassy staff.

I don't turn out many 9/10 ratings.  I'm even going so far as to give City of Life and Death a 9.5.  Yeah, it is that good of a movie, despite being incredibly painful and difficult to watch.  It even made a hardened war-movie-veteran like me choke up on several occasions, and that doesn't happen too often.  If this review seems a bit wandering, jumbled, and disconnected, its because I found it difficult to put down in words the experience.

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Actors:

• Hideo Nakaizumi
• Ye Liu
• Yuanyuan Gao

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Related posts:

1. The Fog of War – Eleven Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara (2003)
2. WWII in HD (2009)
3. Inglorious Basterds (2009)
4. Lebanon (2009)
5. The Men Who Stare At Goats (2009)

...and it does a fine job.  An excellent job, even.  This is quite the examination of history during that time period.  A lot of things I never knew about, or realized, or put the pieces together with.  From the Versailles treaty all the way to Pearl Harbor, you'll be surprised just how many events transpired which, now that we look at it, brought about the inevitability of the second war.

I think a great part of this is the credibility involved here.  Made in the 70's (a short 30 years after WWII), you've got commentary from people who either were *directly* involved in these events, such as host and journalist Eric Sevareid, to a myriad of professors and other figures.

Additionally, you'll get some Hearst Newsreels on each disc, which give a short summary and different perspective of either events that were talked about, or weren't....  Either way, the inclusion of these in this set works to its benefit (versus the earlier WWII in the Pacific set, where the European-theater-centric newsreels didn't make sense.)  I'm not sure of the source of these newsreels, the production and voice-over seem to indicate a much later production date, rather than contemporary pieces.  (Which I'd still like to see a good "movietone news" or similar DVD set from the war!)

The series is presented from a US-centric viewpoint.  Meaning that the events described take place starting from the US' short but pivotal role in WWI, up until Pearl Harbor.  But, it does examine all the other happenings between those two events, including the war in Europe, and Japan's expansion in Asia.  This is key, as a lot of these sort of documentaries merely jump in with both feet at Pearl Harbor, as if nothing at all had happened until then.

If you're a military history buff, then this is a must-have.  The films themselves appear to have been rescued, but not restored.  I only mention this because they do appear rather rough at times, and I wouldn't want anyone thinking you're getting anything different.  I don't have a problem with this at all.  This is about preservation mostly, and I'm glad that Readers' Digest and Questar have put this series to disc for the archives, instead of letting the film or tape turn to dust in some closet somewhere.

The Road to World War II officially releases October 18, with a sticker price of $49.99, although Amazon (and likely others) has it for less.

Here's a summary of the episode titles, which should give you an idea of the series comprehensive look....

Disc 1: 1. Versailles: The Lost Peace 2. Return to Isolationism 3. The First Salt Talks

Disc 2: 1. Radio, Racism and Foreign Policy 2. The Great Depression and Foreign Affairs

Disc 3: 1. FDR and Hitler: The Rise to Power 2. FDR and Hitler: The Dynamics of Power

Disc 4: 1. America in the Pacific 2. The Recognition of Russia 3. Latin America

Disc 5: 1. The Italian-Ethiopian War 2. The Spanish Civil War 3. The Phony War

Disc 6: 1. FDR and Churchill 2. Japan Invades China 3. War Comes to Pearl Harbor

Bonus Features: Exclusive Heart Newsreels showcase the era leading up to WW II

The entire series is also available to "rent" on YouTube!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fh11LMYSrk&list=SL&feature=sh_e_se

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This classic documentary series, The Road to WWII, follows the events that inevitably sparked World War II, capturing the drama, the excitement and the juxtapositions of these crucial years between the end of World War I and Pearl Harbor. Former CBS News correspondent and commentator, Eric Sevareid, one of the world's most respected  figures in journalism, presents this extraordinary series which features  stunning original newsreels, soundtracks, and rare archival footage. It was the era of Lucky Lindy, bootleg, Babe Ruth, Valentino and assembly-line Fords. It was also the time of market collapse, Klan meetings, demagogues abroad, red scares at home and bread lines. The best of times, the worst of times, and the times in which the United States reluctantly moved center stage.  The Road to WWII is an innovative 16-part series that examines this crucial time as it progressed from the Armistice in 1918 to the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. You will see the people who made history, hear their voices, and revisit the sites of events where consequence occurred. From the election of Roosevelt, to the rise of Hitler in Germany, it's all here. Disc 1: 1. Versailles: The Lost Peace 2. Return to Isolationism 3. The First Salt Talks Disc 2: 1. Radio, Racism and Foreign Policy 2. The Great Depression and Foreign Affairs Disc 3: 1. FDR and Hitler: The Rise to Power 2. FDR and Hitler: The Dynamics of Power Disc 4: 1. America in the Pacific 2. The Recognition of Russia 3. Latin America Disc 5: 1. The Italian-Ethiopian War 2. The Spanish Civil War 3. The Phony War Disc 6: 1. FDR and Churchill 2. Japan Invades China 3. War Comes to Pearl Harbor Bonus Features: Exclusive Heart Newsreels showcase the era leading up to WW II

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Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
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Manufacturer: Questar
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Actors:

• Eric Sevareid

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Related posts:

1. World War I Films of the Silent Era (1917/1975/2002)
2. Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)
3. Force 10 From Navarone (1978)
4. Inglorious Bastards (Quel Maledetto Treno Blindato, 1978)
5. The Bomber (2011)

Short version:  Russian Bomber pilot Andrei Grivstov (Nikia Efremoy) is shot down over German territory, along with his love and radio operator Katia (Ekaterina Astakhova), and his Navigator, who was able to parachute before they crash.  They are separated, as he goes to prison, escapes to fight with guerillas and eventually work his way back to "the world", while Katia is able to infiltrate the German command.  The both of them at times are unknowingly close to each other, but never meet again, until the end (whoops! spoiler! But you knew it was coming....)  His navigator, well, I'll have to let you watch it for that.

I say short version, because a) This movie is three hours long, and b) It is really fairly complex as far as the plot goes.  Forget about a nice, simple, romance set in WWII Europe.  The romance is pretty ancillary to the rest of the movie, as is the entire "bomber" premise.  Really the aviation aspect only plays out in the first section of the movie, as Grivstov and his crew are nearly shot down once, then actually shot down shortly thereafter.

What you do get, though, is a complex web of a tale of loyalty, intrigue, combat, and betrayal.  I'm not even going to begin to try to explain the finer details of the plot.  It manages to take several different twists and turns, and does so without that "meandering" feel that can sometimes happen.  From their initial crash landing, separation, their separate stories which nearly brings them together a couple of times, the tension between pilot and navigator, the German-induced subversion....  like I said, it can get complicated.  But it all pans out in the end.  Keep in mind this was initially a TV miniseries, so with that in mind, it makes even more sense.

A big theme of the film (as I saw it with my western eyes) was the ruthlessness of the Russian command.  From the beginning where Grivstov is nearly labelled a conspirator for no good reason, to later on when he actually is labelled such (again for no good reason, with no evidence but a photo).... and contrasted with the German command....   Its a fair portrayal of the lesser of two evils.  The Stalin regime basically not being much better than what they were fighting, but having to defend their homeland out of necessity....

Production wise I was suitably impressed with The Bomber.  Any preconceived notions about the Russians making substandard movies should be chucked right out the window.  The only failing to my untrained eye was the CG airborne effects at the beginning.  They're still quite excellent, though.  Historically accurate? I can't say, but I "bought it", if you take my meaning.

The acting was really the high point of the film, though.  The two (three?) principals here really held their own throughout.  I can't give enough credit here.

But the action, especially during the final "train" combat sequence, was really, really excellent.  Coupled with the aforementioned attention to production (think blowing up trains and bridges) and I was never let down.

If there was a major flaw, I'd have to say it was the subtitles' translations.  I don't know Russian to save my own life, but some of the translations given either didn't make sense, used incorrect words/phrases for the context, or were themselves a mash of "foreign english."  Leaving out words/grammar that we would consider normal.....  A minor nitpick, I know, but a times could leave you having to translate the translation.

And, like I said, don't worry about the "love story" getting in the way.  It doesn't.  It is what drives the film to its final conclusion, but really at no point does the film really make any concessions to it.  That's just my opinion.

The Bomber is definitely worth the foray if you can get a copy (its not out in the states to my knowledge) and can sit down for a few hours, and actually get involved in a decently thought through story.  You won't be disappointed.

(Amazon link/info below is to the UK site... FYI)

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Audience Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Brand: REVOLVER ENTERTAINMENT
Manufacturer: Revolver Entertainment
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Related posts:

1. Dive Bomber (1941)
2. The Road to World War II (1978, 2011)
3. Ironclad (2011)
4. Battle: Los Angeles (2011)
5. Gettysburg (1993/2011, Director’s Cut, Blu Ray)

Adolf Grünbaum (Ulrich Mühe) is that actor.  He's pulled from the camps at the behest of Goebbels himself, much to the dismay of many in the Reich.  He proceeds to school Hitler in all manner of acting and presentation skills and exercises, while finding lots of ways to "get at" der Furher.  Most notably rendering him unconscious through a punch to the face when asked why he (and his people) don't fight back.  Grunbaum does hatch a plan to do just that, and nearly succeeds.... but I don't want to spoil the whole thing!

From the beginning, you can tell that its going to be funny, with a Python-esque routine of multiple "Heils!" as he's escorted into the main office, and then given a ham sandwich.  And there are plenty of humorous moments, especially at the end during the speech.  A lot of it is pretty tongue-in-cheek, dry wit, kind of stuff, but funny nonetheless.

But.

There is always a very serious undertone throughout the film.  So much so at times that any humor that gets laid over the top doesn't seem quite so funny anymore.  Either that or the humor is immediately met with some atrocity (like the ending), classically tragic, or equally dark, pensive moment that you quickly forget what it was you were laughing at.

That's not to say its just a roller coaster ride, either.  The conversations between Grunbaum and Hitler become quite intense and provocative, and should make you think about quite a bit.

Then there's Schneider's Hitler.  While he's an excellent actor, I never really "bought" his portrayal here.  Maybe because he looked more like Richard Nixon than Hitler throughout, I don't know.  The role here is of a classic tragic/comic figure who is predictably inept at just about everything.  But then again he's meant to be a clown here, so there's always that.  I was expecting more of a "straight man" approach to Hitler, but that seems to be more Grunbaum's character.

I am finding it hard to say if I liked this film, or not.  Like I said, it has its moments, both funny and not, but that whole shadow of darkness that is always waiting to stick its head out and go "hey, remember me?" ruins the comedy.  A lot.  Whether this was the intent of the filmmakers I'm not sure.

I can't seem to find a trailer with english subs, so here's one without any.  Hopefully you can see what I mean from this.  The trailer really doesn't do the movie justice, though.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0780568/

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Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audience Rating: Unrated
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Manufacturer: FIRST RUN FEATURES
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Actors:

• Helge Schneider
• Ulrich Muhe
• Sylvester Groth

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1. Hitler: The Last Ten Days (1973)
2. Military Intelligence and You (2007)
3. Delta Farce (2007)
4. The War (2007)
5. Charlie Wilson’s War (2007)

Of course those of us who religiously watched news websites from '97-'99 when the Star Wars prequel trilogy first started materializing recognize the name.  First thought to be a 'code name' for the first of those, but then, no, it might actually be a real movie... blah blah....  and here it is.

I will say I am looking forward to this, if nothing else for some amazing aerial combat scenes.  Even if a few look a bit far fetched (that stall maneuver being one of them!)...  If you look carefully, though, you'll see that they've recreated, quite faithfully some of the most iconic bits of stock footage of B-17 bomber raids, and casualties.  Most obvious is the "folding wing" bit of reel that never fails to make me cringe.....

Anyway, check out the trailer, and the link to the official movie site.  Oh wait, there doesn't seem to be one.  Shame on you Lucasfilm!!

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In this high-budget all-action movie, a soviet aircraft crashes on Nazi-occupied territory. But the pilot and his beloved radio operator miraculously survive, along with the flight navigator, who ejected from the plane. It is now up to each of them to put their military training into action to escape the enemy forces. In the fight to get back to their own troops, they uncover an act of sabotage by a commanding officer, and are branded as traitors.

And some more, from the site listed below.  This description is markedly different from the above, and the trailer wouldn't seem to indicate that this is primarily a romance epic... so, we will see?

October 30th 2010 PRONTO FILM together with Film UA (Ukraine) and “Shpil” Studio (Russia) completed the production of 8 series TV movie “Ballad about the Bomber”.

 

The movie is dedicated to the memory of the Second World War and will be broadcasted on the First National Channel (Russia) on the 9th of May 2011. The synopsis is based on the true story. The scriptwriter Arkadiy Tigray opens to the viewer an unexpected side of the German soldiers, the succession of coincidences and the tangle of human fortunes. The main hero is Andrei, the captain of bomber. Right before his 100th battle flight he meets his love – Katya, the telegraphist who’s mission is to resume the connection with the partisan underground resistance in the enemy’s home front. The two loving hearts have lost each other at the beginning of the Second World War and now reunite to face some fateful events called to make their love stronger. The role of Andrei Grivtsov is played by Nikita Efremov (“Lady Passanger”, “Sateless”, “The most Beautiful”). The role of Katya is played by Ekaterina Astahova (“Russian Chocolate”, “Institute For Noble Maidens”, “Kings Of The Game”). Also starring Nina Usatova, Vladimir Iliin, Victoria Tolstoganova, Egor Barinov, Boris Kamorzin and others.

 

During the prep period the actors took several courses of military science and flying practise. Specially for this project PRONTO FILM made a construction of TU2 warplane in its original size.

 

The producers are Victor Mirskii, Maxim Uhanov, executive producer – Maxim Asadchyy, line producer – Sergei Lysyanyi).

Here's a trailer.  Almost looks to have a "Band of Brothers" aesthetic about it, but it certainly looks like it has a lot of promise!  Will update if I'm able to find a way to watch this!

More info and some more production stills can be found here:

http://www.pronto.kiev.ua/featured/tv_design/10

Related posts:

1. The Bomber (2011)
2. Dive Bomber (1941)

The backstory:  98-pound weakling Steve Rogers gets tapped for a government experiment to create a new breed of "super soldiers" to fight the Nazis in Europe.  Only it turns out there is a more sinister menace to deal with.  That of course is the still more ambitious world-domination-bent group HYDRA, helmed by the more-evil-than-Hitler "Red Skull" aka Johann Schmit.  After his initial transformation, he's sent out to be a spokesperson in a "Captain America" themed war bond tour, finally ending up in Europe and having to rescue his best friend, Bucky Barnes.  He's re-re-purposed (back to his original, uh, purpose) and he and his team hunt down Hydra's bases and ultimately (as always, without spoiling the fun) the good guys win.

I'm not about to debate the merits of this movie from a realistic or historic point of view.  Because it really hasn't any.  But that's not the point.  Actually, I fear a lot of the subtler points of the movie will be lost on today's generation, who a) don't understand a lot of WWII history, and b) don't get things like war bond drives and 4F jokes.

Of course, the real purpose of this film is to set up an "Avengers" movie somewhere down the road, along with the other recent Marvel onscreen characters Thor, Iron Man, and probably another Hulk movie.  (I can't remember if the last one was part of this effort or not!)  So yeah, SHIELD will make an obvious appearance here.  There's also a subtle tie-in to the Thor movie at the beginning, but its done in a way that if you didn't see Thor, you're not left scratching your head.

All-in all, there's lots of war-movie-like action to be had.  Even if it does involve human-vaporizing laser weapons, various Nazi-might-have-beens and other obvious anachronisms.  Actually I felt in a lot of places certain elements may have been "borrowed" from Raiders of the Lost Ark.  Such as the giant and imagined flying wing aircraft, and Schmit's scientist sidekick looking suspiciously like Major Toht at times.  Don't miss the visit by Himmler and Goebbels to Hydra's compound either, another moment probably lost on a lot of people as I don't think it was explained who they were.  At least it looked like it was supposed to be them. *shrug*

But what I thought really made this movie was its "respect" if you will for the entire character and mythos of Captain America, and the time he was conceived in.  Just another kid from Brooklyn turned super hero during the war.  The whole war bond tour and 4F routine, while probably foreign to a lot of viewers, are a big tip-of-the-hat to past war movies.  And, I've heard a lot of complaining about the in-your-face patriotism and "propaganda" present in this film, BUT THAT'S KIND OF THE POINT, isn't it?!  If anything it only makes everything better.

Chris Evans has the looks and chemistry to pull off this character big time, I can't say anything bad there.  They definitely found their "All American Boy."   Of course you've got to have a female character/love interest, and Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter manages to be a strong, yet somehow stereotypical 40's female character at the same time.  Hugo Weaving is (as always) menacing as the evil Red Skull, even if the character's makeup kept reminding me of British heavy metal band Iron Maiden's mascot, Eddie.   And Tommy Lee Jones steals the show all around as Col. Philips, managing to be both the archetypal hard-ass superior and the source of a lot of straight-man comic relief.  Then there's the Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) character.  I've heard a lot of griping from the comic-purist community about how this was handled, and not knowing anything about the character's previous incarnations, I still thought it sucked.

The rest of the good Captain's team just seems to be along for the ride, though, which is understandable, not everyone can be front and center.  And (as I said) there is a cameo near the end by Samuel L. Jackson reprising his role from Iron Man 2 as part of the SHIELD organization.

What can go wrong?  Turns out, that much like Thor, there is a great deal of time spent on explaining the "origin" bit, which leaves precious little time for action.  From Roger's initial transformation and "discovery" we're left with quite a lull in the action.  Get past it, though, and it doesn't stop.

So, if you're willing to shut off your brain for a couple of hours, sit back and enjoy the ride, Captain America: The First Avenger just might take you back to the glory days of superheroes and war movies at the same time.  Maybe.  It did me, anyway.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458339/

Related posts:

1. Battle: Los Angeles (2011)
2. The Road to World War II (1978, 2011)
3. Ironclad (2011)
4. The Bomber (2011)
5. Gettysburg (1993/2011, Director’s Cut, Blu Ray)

Definitely not so here, in 1941's Great Guns.  I don't recall ever seeing this before, and I definitely don't remember "LOL-ing" so much at one of their movies.  Yeah, it really is that good.  The pair are in top-notch form throughout.

Stanley and Oliver are part of the staff of a rather wealthy, and bed-ridden at the behest of his "doctor", man named Daniel Forrester (Dick Nelson.)  Daniel gets drafted, and once out of the care of his so-called doctor, turns out alright.  The pair follow him into the service, to keep an eye on him, and the hilarity ensues.

Expect the usual portfolio of L&H standard humor, but amped up a couple of notches.  From their initial oblivious-ness to the standards of army life, their pet raven Penelope (who winds up saving the day), hitching a ride on the machine gun target, and endless excellently executed and hilarious sight gags....  If you don't laugh at least once, you probably never will, at anything.

The plot? Well, it would have to revolve around Daniel's romantic interest, the base photo-shop operator, Ginger (Sheila Ryan.)  Other than that its purely one comedic loosely-military-based situation after another.

What interests me also, as it relates to war movies and history, is the portrayal of the typical horse-mounted cavalry as late as 1941.  Just a year later would see the last gasp of the horse on the front lines, as the rapid tech boom of WWII proved them obsolete, in favor of the motor pool and mechanized armor.

After the all-too serious (but excellent) The Deer Hunter, I needed to lighten the mood a bit.  So shut off the brain, and prepare to be entertained and laugh.

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Laurel and Hardy Collection, Vol. 1 (Great Guns / Jitterbugs / The Big Noise) List Price: $34.98 Sale Price: $19.99 You save: $14.99 (43%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

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Includes: great guns jitterbugs big noise Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 04/11/2006 Starring: Oliver Hardy Rating: Nr

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Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Brand: Laurel
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
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Actors:

• Stan Laurel
• Oliver Hardy
• Sheila Ryan
• Dick Nelson
• Edmund MacDonald

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1. 1941 (1979)
2. Dive Bomber (1941)
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We follow a new band of British POW's into a Japanese camp, in Thailand, in 1941.  Among them are Capt. Ernest Gordon, author of the above mentioned book (Ciarán McMenamin), Maj. Ian Campbell (Robert Carlyle), Dusty Miller (Mark Strong), and American Jim Reardon (Kiefer Sutherland).  As in "River Kwai" (almost in defiance of it actually) their officer-in-charge Lt. Col McLean (James Cosmo) protests their treatment, and is immediately executed.

From there thing only get worse for the prisoners, as they are forced to build the infamous Burmese railroad, and have only their wits to keep from going completely insane.  They make the best of their situation as is possible, stealthily using Gordon's knowledge to hold classes on everything from Shakespeare to Plato.  In part to keep him from going crazy, but eventually to give them all something to live for.

The reality is of course in stark contrast to "Kwai" as they are dealing with a brutal camp commander, Ito (Sakae Kimura) who is just royally pissed-off at having been sent here.  It seems that this detail is a 'dishonorable' one, and Ito takes it out on the prisoners on a daily basis.  There is one among the Japanese, though, who is stuck between his duty to the Emperor and Sergeant and a higher moral imperative, Cambridge-educated translator Nagase (Yugo Saso.)

The end of the situation comes as Allied forces make inroads towards the camp, the staff flees, and the prisoners take over, turning the tables on Ito.  One last moral test awaits them (no spoilers here!) and the cavalry arrives.

For me, anyway, the high point of this film, after watching the misery and stench-of-death of the camp put on screen, was the ending montage of real-life Ernest Gordon and Takashi Nagase meeting in person after so many years, and their reconciliation of the situation.

Here's a great link to read if you haven't read the book and want a bit more background on the real story.

Basically its an excellent, if difficult-to-watch, movie about finding humanity where there isn't any.  In a more-real package than "Kwai" ever delivered.  I have to cave and give it eight, as I wasn't expecting it to be as good a movie as it was.  Not perfect, but still worth watching.  Here's the trailer.

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Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
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Actors:

• Robert Carlyle
• Kiefer Sutherland
• Ciarán McMenamin
• Mark Strong
• Yugo Saso

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Related posts:

1. Pearl Harbor (2001)
2. Enemy at the Gates (2001)
3. The Thundering 8th (2001)
4. Under Heavy Fire (2001)
5. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

The facts are pretty well known, as is the story, so I won't even attempt to lay it all out here.  The movie starts with the death of FDR, and from that point on focuses mostly on President Truman as he is (and his staff are) presented with the details of this new secret superweapon and the struggle with the decision on if, when, and how to use it.

Then there's the Japanese viewpoint, which, while present, doesn't seem to be as well thought out.  Why exactly I can't say.

Overall I think it presents a pretty good estimation of what Truman was handed, and what it might have been like for him and his staff, to have to make such a decision.  Ultimately, as history, and this film would portray it was a decision that once made, proved to be the right one, and one that he didn't regret.

I did appreciate that, for the most part, it didn't descend into a giant anti-nuke anti-war treatise.  It stuck to its guns as a historical docudrama, and managed to present the various sides to the story without necessarily favoring one over another.

The actors chosen for their respective roles did an excellent job in portraying the people as we have become accustomed to seeing them in newsreels, etc.  At first, it would seem that Kenneth Welsh's portrayal of Truman is wooden and, I dunno, absent...  But paired up against actual footage it seems pretty spot on.  Wesley Addy is particularly good, IMO, in his role as War Dept. Secretary Henry Stimson and his objections to using such a weapon.

Also of note are the (all too) infrequent interviews with people who were involved either with the Manhattan project itself, the US government/armed forces, and with bomb survivors and former Japanese military.  These should have been either more prominent, or left on the floor entirely.  While they did add a lot to the experience, there just wasn't enough of it for my tastes.

The entire package is quite lengthy, weighing in at approximately 3 hrs., but its necessary to get everything in there, so fair warning!  It actually doesn't feel like 3 hrs once you get into it.  It's paced well enough and incorporates enough of the side-stories that it manages to hold your interest throughout.  The only reason I say above that its not great, is that it is rather flat, and while people may be portrayed accurately, its done without a lot of depth or emotion.

I would actually recommend this as an education piece, either at home or in school.  I don't recall anything except for maybe a few passing instances of profanity that might prevent it from being used as such.

I would also recommend viewing the Japanese film, Japan's Longest Day, as a bookend, companion piece, or counterpoint (depending on your own persuasions) to this film, as it provides an almost parallel and much more complete look at what was going on there during this same period.  The Sun might be included in that as well.

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Description

THE GRIZZLY EVENTS LEADING TO THE FIRST ATTACK WITH A NUCLEAR WEAPON.

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Brand: PLATINUM DISC LLC
Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
Original Release Date:
Actors:

• Kenneth Welsh
• Naohiko Umewaka

Reviews

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