Review of Sayonara (1957) by Chase M — 19 Jun 2008

I can't believe that this film was even made at the time it was made. I mean, of course, at the time there was a rising civil rights movement in the United States taking place and Americans were beginning to examine their own prejudices, and though this story looks at the prejudices and post-war feeling s people in the military were having towards the Japanese and soldiers falling in love with Japanese women and men was a reality, that is what makes this film amazing.

The supporting cast is very strong, especially Red Buttons and Miyoshi Umeki, who both won respective Supporting Actor and Actress Oscar statues for their work in this movie( making Umeki the first Asian American actress to win an Oscar).

But, they aren't the only ones making an impact, James Garner and Miiko Taka also make considerable impact as Brando's buddy and Brando's love interest. Great movie.