The Japanese American internment during World War II is a dark chapter in American history, when the United States government forcibly relocated and incarcerated around 120,000 Japanese Americans and Japanese residents. The majority of those interned were U.S. citizens, and the internment camps were established due to widespread prejudice and fear of espionage following the attack on Pearl Harbor. This period has been explored in various films, which reflect on the injustices suffered, the resilience of the interned individuals, and the broader implications for civil rights and American identity. Below are films that delve into the subject of Japanese American internment, providing narratives that range from personal stories of struggle and endurance to broader explorations of this historical injustice.
“Come See the Paradise”, 1990
Director: Alan Parker
This film, directed by Alan Parker, explores the impact of Japanese American internment through the lens of an interracial couple. It delves into the challenges they face due to anti-Japanese sentiment following Pearl Harbor, leading to their separation when Japanese Americans are interned.
Starring: Dennis Quaid, Tamlyn Tomita, Sab Shimono, Shizuko Hoshi, Stan Egi, Ronald Yamamoto, Akemi Nishino, Naomi Nakano, Brady Tsurutani, Elizabeth Gilliam;
Production year: 1990;
Genre: drama, melodrama, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 138 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Come See the Paradise” on the website imdb.com
“Snow Falling on Cedars”, 1999
Director: Scott Hicks
Based on the novel by David Guterson, this film is set in the post-war 1950s and centers around a murder trial that becomes intertwined with the internment of Japanese Americans. It explores themes of racism, love, and the lingering effects of internment.
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Youki Kudoh, Reeve Carney, Anne Suzuki, Rick Yune, Max von Sydow, James Rebhorn, James Cromwell, Richard Jenkins, Arija Bareikis;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: thriller, drama, melodrama, detective;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Snow Falling on Cedars” on the website imdb.com
“American Pastime”, 2007
Director: Desmond Nakano
This film offers a unique perspective by focusing on the love of baseball within an internment camp. It portrays how interned Japanese Americans find solace and unity through the game, highlighting the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.
Starring: Aaron Yoo, Olesya Rulin, Carleton Bluford, Sami Roe, Masatoshi Nakamura, Leonardo Nam, Judy Ongg, Gary Cole, Charles Halford, Big Budah;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama, melodrama, sport;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “American Pastime” on the website imdb.com
“Farewell to Manzanar”, 1976
Director: John Korty
This made-for-TV movie is an adaptation of the memoir by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston. It provides a personal and profound look at life inside Manzanar, one of the most well-known internment camps, seen through the eyes of a young Japanese American girl and her family.
Starring: Yuki Shimoda, Nobu McCarthy, Dori Takeshita, Akemi Kikumura, Clyde Kusatsu, Mako, Pat Morita, James Saito, Momo Yashima, Gretchen Corbett;
Production year: 1976;
Genre: drama, war, history;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Farewell to Manzanar” on the website imdb.com
“The Cats of Mirikitani”, 2006
Director: Linda Hattendorf
This documentary focuses on the life of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani, an elderly Japanese American artist who survived the internment camps. It delves into his life on the streets of New York and how the events of 9/11 stirred memories of past injustices, while also depicting the healing power of art.
Starring: Linda Hattendorf, Jimmy Mirikitani;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 74 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
More information about the film “The Cats of Mirikitani” on the website imdb.com
These films serve not only as important historical documents but also as compelling narratives that underscore the personal toll of the Japanese American internment. They highlight the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unjust treatment and discrimination, providing valuable insights into a painful but critical part of American history.
The films exploring the Japanese American internment period serve as powerful reminders of a dark chapter in American history, offering both poignant reflections on personal and collective trauma as well as uplifting tales of resilience and resistance. Through a diverse lens of narratives that range from heart-wrenching to inspirational, these films succeed in shedding light on the injustices faced by Japanese Americans, challenging audiences to confront uncomfortable truths while also celebrating the spirit of human endurance and the pursuit of justice. By weaving together historical facts with deeply personal stories, these cinematic works not only educate but also evoke empathy, compelling viewers to reflect on the implications of prejudice and the importance of vigilance in protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals. In doing so, they contribute profoundly to the ongoing conversation about identity, belonging, and reconciliation, maintaining their relevance as essential viewing for anyone committed to understanding the complexities of American history and the enduring strength of its people.
