This film could have be one of the greatest American WW2 movies ever! Seriously, the subject is that potent.
This is not to say the filmmakers were not bold they were just bold in sophomoric areas (specifically a sexually charged scene that was downright explicit which is completely irrelevant to the story arc as well as violent death scenes on the battlefield).
So ya the Director and Producer chose to titillate with sex and violence as opposed to making a striking social commentary. Such statements were more typical of the later 60's.
I love the fact that the film keeps us talking about Guy Gabaldon, he is a great American hero. More so the film is entertaining despite many flaws and has a decent cast (Mr Sulu meet Captain Christopher Pike) yet this film could have been so much more.
I believe in the cathartic power of film. I believe films should be honest. The story of Gabaldo is an amazing and powerful story imagine how good this film could be if retold in the following fashion ...
1. You cast a Hispanic to play Gabaldon and you do not gloss over the fact he is Hispanic (Hispanics after all helped build this country and fought in our wars)
2. You get his size and age correct (5'4" and 18 years) not all Americans are built like John Wayne
3. You reinforce the fact he was rescued and raised by a Japanese family (The film did a good job of this it is important)
4. You expand the attention on the horrible plight of Japanese Americans not sugar coat it ... and talk about the fact Italians and Germans never received such treatment
5. Pay some attention to his brothers who went on to fight for America in the 442 ... despite the fact they had been sent to Japanese concentration camps ... and talk about the accomplishments of the 442 in detail
6. Lose the silly scene in the apartment
7. Accurately portray Gabaldon's activities on Saipan.
Galbadon is a great American hero ... he is credited with over 1500 surrenders. Consider how many lives that saved! This story deserves an unbiased and honest retelling. It is a great American story.
6/10 for lacking courage
This is not to say the filmmakers were not bold they were just bold in sophomoric areas (specifically a sexually charged scene that was downright explicit which is completely irrelevant to the story arc as well as violent death scenes on the battlefield).
So ya the Director and Producer chose to titillate with sex and violence as opposed to making a striking social commentary. Such statements were more typical of the later 60's.
I love the fact that the film keeps us talking about Guy Gabaldon, he is a great American hero. More so the film is entertaining despite many flaws and has a decent cast (Mr Sulu meet Captain Christopher Pike) yet this film could have been so much more.
I believe in the cathartic power of film. I believe films should be honest. The story of Gabaldo is an amazing and powerful story imagine how good this film could be if retold in the following fashion ...
1. You cast a Hispanic to play Gabaldon and you do not gloss over the fact he is Hispanic (Hispanics after all helped build this country and fought in our wars)
2. You get his size and age correct (5'4" and 18 years) not all Americans are built like John Wayne
3. You reinforce the fact he was rescued and raised by a Japanese family (The film did a good job of this it is important)
4. You expand the attention on the horrible plight of Japanese Americans not sugar coat it ... and talk about the fact Italians and Germans never received such treatment
5. Pay some attention to his brothers who went on to fight for America in the 442 ... despite the fact they had been sent to Japanese concentration camps ... and talk about the accomplishments of the 442 in detail
6. Lose the silly scene in the apartment
7. Accurately portray Gabaldon's activities on Saipan.
Galbadon is a great American hero ... he is credited with over 1500 surrenders. Consider how many lives that saved! This story deserves an unbiased and honest retelling. It is a great American story.
6/10 for lacking courage