Gekido no showashi: Okinawa kessen

"The biggest and last fierce battle in history! 90 days of turbulence that burned green and life!"

Sep 11 1973 TV-14 2h 29m
Drama, History, War

The Americans are swiftly closing on Okinawa, an island just south of the Japanese mainland. The Imperial command sends top generals and several army divisions to defend it at all costs. The mission quickly degenerates as vital resources and troops are diverted to other islands. After a civilian evacuation ends in tragedy most of non-combatants are forced to remain on the island. Many convert to soldier status. Tokyo sends mixed messages that squander time and resources, as when they order the defenders to build an airstrip for aircraft that never come. The truth soon becomes obvious: the high command decides that the island cannot be held and effectively abandons the Okinawan defenders. When the Americans land many troops are deployed in the wrong places. As the slaughter mounts, a suicidal attitude takes hold. Okinawa becomes a death trap, for civilian volunteers and non-combatants as well.

Plot

Told from the Japanese perspective, this war drama captures the events of World War II's Battle of Okinawa - a massive amphibious assault by U.S. troops that left more than 150,000 Japanese civilians dead.

Written by

Ryôzô Kasahara, Kaneto Shindô

Directed by

Kihachi Okamoto

Cast

Keiju Kobayashi, Yûzô Kayama, Tetsurô Tanba

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

Japan

Production Companies

Toho

Languages

Awards

N/A

Trailers
Battle of Okinawa (1971) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]
Scores
# of Votes
493
Average Rating
6.9 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA