True Whispers (2002) User Reviews

Ironic heroes

[mountainkath · 8/10 · 30 December 2008]

This documentary is the most in depth information I have ever heard/seen on the Navajo Code Talkers of WWII. I had heard the basic story of the Code Talkers, but this program provided a lot of detail that was new to me.

I was most surprised to learn that the code the Code Talkers developed was declassified in the 1960's and that some acknowledgment was made of these men in the 1980's. Like most Americans, I first heard about these incredible soldiers in 2001. It is a crime that they were ignored until then.

Throughout the show, I was continually impressed with the quiet dignity displayed by each of the Code Talkers. It's a shame that they've been treated so poorly by the nation that they served so proudly.

The Heroes of the War

[HeadleyLamarr · 9/10 · 18 March 2007]

This is an amazing documentary about the people of the Navajo nation. It begins with how they were herded out of their land, interred, forced to sign a treaty that they will homogenize into the general population. Their children were forced into mainstream schools, penalized for speaking their native language and kept away from home. Seems like a sad tale of oppression.

But then WWII broke out. The Allies suffered defeats and the Japanese entered the war, bombed Pearl Harbor, and the USA got involved in the conflict. The Japanese had elite code breaking corps and a solution was needed. A man who had lived among the Navajo suggested that they be utilized to develop a unique code based on the Navajo language. Suddenly immersion was out of the window and the Navajo youth were drafted into the Marine corps. The story is told through a series of interviews and vignettes from actual retired Navajo marines. These brave men developed an unbreakable code, served on the front lines and were the major reason for triumph in the take over of Iwo Jima and the eventual end of the war.

Afraid that their coding skills may be needed again these brave soldiers were told to keep quiet about their role in the war. They remained unsung heroes until 4-5 years ago when declassification of information allowed the nation to appreciate how vital these brave men were and how well they served their country.

This is an uplifting and wonderful film - a must watch.