Films about Japanese Americans explore the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of individuals of Japanese descent living in America. These films shed light on topics such as identity, cultural assimilation, discrimination, and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Here are some existing films that delve into this subject:
“Snow Falling on Cedars”, 1999
Director: Scott Hicks
Set in the 1950s, this film follows the murder trial of a Japanese American man accused of killing a local fisherman in a small Pacific Northwest town. The movie examines the complexities of race, prejudice, and forbidden love.
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Youki Kudoh, Reeve Carney, Anne Suzuki, Rick Yune, Max von Sydow, James Rebhorn, James Cromwell, Richard Jenkins, Arija Bareikis, Eric Thal, Celia Weston, Daniel von Bargen, Akira Takayama, Ako, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Zak Orth, Max Wright, Sam Shepard, Caroline Kava, Jan Rubes, Sheila Moore, Zeljko Ivanek, Seiji Inouye, Saemi Nakamura, Mika Fujii, Dwight McFee, Bill Harper, Henry O, Myles Ferguson, Noah Heney, John Destry, A. Arthur Takemoto, Ken Takemoto, Larry Musser, Jamie Kang, Lili Marshall, Lisa Mena, Jethro Heysen-Hicks, Tom Heaton, Frank C. Turner, Marilyn Norry, Peter Crook, Ron Snyder, Mark Farrell, Jay Brazeau, Tom Scholte, Timothy Burd, Gareth Williams, Anthony Harrison;
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
“Farewell to Manzanar”, 1976
Director: John Korty
Based on a memoir of the same name, this film tells the story of a Japanese American family's internment in the Manzanar War Relocation Center during World War II. It explores the personal and emotional toll of their forced relocation and the resilience and strength they find in the face of adversity.
Starring: Yuki Shimoda, Nobu McCarthy, Dori Takeshita, Akemi Kikumura, Clyde Kusatsu, Mako, Pat Morita, James Saito, Momo Yashima, Gretchen Corbett, Kip Niven, Lou Frizzell, Frank Abe, Vernon Kato, Seth Sakai, Ron Weyand, Mitsu Yashima, Greta Chi, Michael L. Davis, Anthony Garibaldi;
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 Karate Kid”, 2010
Director: Harald Zwart
Although not specifically focused on Japanese Americans, this film features a Japanese American character named Mr. Han, played by Jackie Chan. The story follows a young boy who learns martial arts from Mr. Han, ultimately discovering the importance of discipline, friendship, and inner strength.
Starring: Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith, Taraji P. Henson, Han Wenwen, Yu Rongguang, Wu Zhensu, Wang Zhiheng, Wang Zhenwei, Jared Minns, Lu Shijia, Zhao Yi, Bo Zhang, Luke Carberry, Cameron Hillman, Ghye Samuel Brown, Rocky Shi, Wang Ji, Harry Van Gorkum, Tess Du Cray, Guo Xinhua, Zhai Jijun, Shun Li, Wu Yanyan, Ji Tao, Chen Jing, Liu Wentai, Liang Geliang, Xu Ming, Adrienne Banfield-Jones, Hannah Joy, Mohan Kapur, Bill Mackie, Zhou Xiaofei;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, sport, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 140 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
More information about the film “The Karate Kid” on the website imdb.com
“Come See the Paradise”, 1990
Director: Alan Parker
Set in the 1940s, this film portrays the love story between a Japanese American man and a Caucasian woman amidst the backdrop of Japanese American internment. It delves into the challenges faced by interracial couples during a time of heightened racial tensions.
Starring: Dennis Quaid, Tamlyn Tomita, Sab Shimono, Shizuko Hoshi, Stan Egi, Ronald Yamamoto, Akemi Nishino, Naomi Nakano, Brady Tsurutani, Elizabeth Gilliam, Shyree Mezick, Caroline Junko King, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Colm Meaney, Becky Ann Baker, John Finnegan, Takamuro Ikeguchi, Danny Kamekona, Yoshimi Imai, Lenny Imamura, Goh Misawa, Sanae Hosaka, Shuko Akune, Keenan Shimizu, Dale Ishimoto, Shinko Isobe, Mariko Fujinaka, Fred Irinaga, Tad Horino, George P. Wilbur, Allan Graf, Frank Trocha, Tricia L. Campbell, Kelsy White, Cynthia Aso, Emi Endo, Marian Mukogawa, Fran Lucci, John Jensen, John Mazzocco, Joe Heinemann, Michael York, Mark Earley, Joe Lisi, David MacIntyre, Doug MacHugh, Howard French, Gigi Toya, Don Alder, Teri Eiko Koide;
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
“Only the Brave”, 2017
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Based on a true story, this film depicts the experiences of the Japanese American 442nd Infantry Regiment during World War II. The 442nd, composed primarily of second-generation Japanese Americans, faced discrimination and proved their loyalty to the United States through their courageous actions on the battlefield.
Starring: Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, Jennifer Connelly, James Badge Dale, Taylor Kitsch, Andie MacDowell, Geoff Stults, Alex Russell, Thad Luckinbill, Ben Hardy, Scott Haze, Jake Picking, Scott Foxx, Dylan Kenin, Ryan Michael Busch, Kenneth Miller, Ryan Jason Cook, Brandon Bunch, Matthew Van Wettering, Michael L. McNulty, Nicholas Jenks, Sam Quinn, Natalie Hall, Howard Ferguson Jr., Rachel Singer, Ralph Alderman, Forrest Fyre, Josh Hopkins, Jenny Gabrielle, Nicholas Liam King, Orion Pontes, Brytnee Ratledge, Barbie Robertson, Jade Kammerman, Pell James, Staci Robbins, Lauren Chavez-Myers, Raleigh Cain, Michael Menchel, Kevin Wiggins, Lora Cunningham, John Trejo, Travis Armstrong, Austin Dennis, Jermaine Washington, Keith Jardine, Andres Michael, Colin Jones, Matt Nolan;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, thriller, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
“American Pastime”, 2007
Director: Desmond Nakano
Set in a World War II internment camp in Utah, this film follows the story of a Japanese American family who find solace and a sense of community through their shared love of baseball. It explores themes of resilience, determination, and the power of sports 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, Kerry Yo Nakagawa, Junko Yamamoto, Kale Nakagawa, Tod Huntington, Jeff Herr, John Kruk, Yukari Kama, Richard Allen, Susanna Thompson, Mark Nilson, Jeff Olson, Seth Sakai, Kerry Shimizu Lee, Jon Gries, Joey Miyashima, Sarah Drew, Frank Gerrish, Bryson Kuan, Camille Lynne Matthews, Lance Otto, Sean Sekino, K.J. Adachi, Chris Beames, Jacob Dickey, Jason Fullmer, Bryan James, Kazumi Nakamura, Lynnanne Zager;
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
“The Cats of Mirikitani”, 2006
Director: Linda Hattendorf
This documentary film tells the story of Jimmy Mirikitani, a homeless Japanese American artist who survived the internment camps during World War II. The film follows his journey as he reconnects with his Japanese heritage and uses art as a means of healing and self-expression.
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 offer a glimpse into the lives and experiences of Japanese Americans, highlighting their struggles, resilience, and contributions to American society.
In exploring the selection of films about Japanese Americans, it becomes evident that these stories hold a significant place in the cinematic landscape. Each film delves into the complex history, struggles, and resilience of this community, shedding light on the experiences of Japanese Americans throughout the years. From the heart-wrenching tales of internment camps in films like “Farewell to Manzanar” to the inspiring stories of cultural identity and self-discovery in “The Karate Kid,” these movies offer a poignant and thought-provoking glimpse into the Japanese American experience. Through their captivating narratives, these films not only educate and inform but also foster empathy and understanding, reminding us of the power of storytelling and its ability to bridge gaps and unite us as human beings.
