In keeping with this week's Japan theme, I am going to recommend a wonderful and a bit underrated film about an American man alive during World War II whose son dies in a motorcycle accident in Japan, leaving a family, and a legacy behind.
TODAY'S FILM: THE HARIMAYA BRIDGE
directed by Aaron Woolfolk
directed by Aaron Woolfolk
This film was something I discovered through Netflix (where it is unfortunately no longer available) when I was in a phase of searching for new, hip Japanese movies. It is in both English and Japanese, so make sure that you find the version with subtitles!
I believe it is one of my best finds in terms of films that promote the Asian-American movement, as well as the movement against racism. The main character in the film starts off with a huge feeling of resentment towards the Japanese, for killing his father and many other American soldiers. Due to these emotions, he becomes disconnected with his son, who adores Japan and moves there. After his son's death, the father reluctantly comes to Japan to gather his son's things. Through this journey, he meets the friends and family of his son, experiences Japanese culture, and builds connections in the country. His feelings of resentment begins to change.
This film discusses issues of racism, bicultural relationships, ethnic identity, and transnationalism. It was released in both Japan and America, and while there aren't a lot of strong feelings out there about it, I believe it is an excellently shot film and a telling story that promotes the same purposes as justajae.
Click for links to watch this movie online: http://search.ovguide.com/?ci=101&q=The+Harimaya+Bridge
I believe it is one of my best finds in terms of films that promote the Asian-American movement, as well as the movement against racism. The main character in the film starts off with a huge feeling of resentment towards the Japanese, for killing his father and many other American soldiers. Due to these emotions, he becomes disconnected with his son, who adores Japan and moves there. After his son's death, the father reluctantly comes to Japan to gather his son's things. Through this journey, he meets the friends and family of his son, experiences Japanese culture, and builds connections in the country. His feelings of resentment begins to change.
This film discusses issues of racism, bicultural relationships, ethnic identity, and transnationalism. It was released in both Japan and America, and while there aren't a lot of strong feelings out there about it, I believe it is an excellently shot film and a telling story that promotes the same purposes as justajae.
Click for links to watch this movie online: http://search.ovguide.com/?ci=101&q=The+Harimaya+Bridge
Until next time,
justajae
justajae