Review of Japan's Longest Day (1967) by Bruce B — 02 Mar 2013

This is a fascinating Japanese war drama about the decision to surrender and the process behind it. It is told in a very realistic and believable way that feels far more modern than it is. It's quite an interesting tale, though the initial twenty minutes setting up the situation rely far too heavily on narration. Once it gets to the day itself the film gets much better.

This film reminds me of nothing so much as Downfall. Both films are about the end of the war as told from the POV of an Axis power. This film doesn't offer as negative a view of the Imperial Japanese state as Downfall does the Nazi German one, but both films convey the frustration and despair of a proud empire's surrender. They also deal eith the madness of people unable to accept reality. The sheer eagerness of so many to commit suicide rather than accept defeat and the delusional belief that future victories could turn the situation around are also common themes. It's fascinating to watch.

It is always wonderful to see two of my favorite actors together, even outside of a Kurosawa picture. And Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura both give in wonderful performances. Mifune even manages to restrain his tendency to ham it up in favor of a performance full of restrained passion. The performances in general are restrained and realistic, generally managing to convey the anger, frustration, and humiliation involved in the surrender.