Summaries

A conscience-driven Japanese soldier traumatized by the events of WWII adopts the lifestyle of a Buddhist monk.

Mizushima is a soldier in the Japanese army in Burma in World War II. He's a good soldier and frequently plays his harp to entertain his fellow soldiers. When the war comes to an end, he is asked by the British to go into the mountains to try and convince a Japanese troop to surrender. Given only 30 minutes to convince them, Mizushima is unsuccessful - they would rather die with honor - and the British attack. Deeply affected by what has happened, he becomes a Buddhist monk, traveling the countryside burying the remains of Japanese soldiers. He is unable however to rejoin his brothers-in-arms.—garykmcd

July, 1943: Japan's army is on the run. A platoon in Burma sings to keep its spirit up. Inspiration comes from their self taught lute player, Mizushima. At war's end, while they await repatriation at Mudon prison camp, Mizushima is sent to convince a Japanese company dug into a mountain that it must surrender. He fails, the British attack, many die, and his companions fear he's been killed. However, he has survived and disguised himself as a Buddhist priest. En route to Mudon to join his comrades, the frequent sight of dead Japanese soldiers overwhelms him. He vows to live a life of prayer, burying bones and bodies; his friends want him to return with them to Japan.—<[email protected]>

Details

Keywords
  • soldier
  • monk
  • prayer
  • surrender
  • buddhist
Genres
  • Drama
  • War
  • Music
Release date Apr 25, 1957
Motion Picture Rating (MPA) Not Rated
Countries of origin Japan
Language English Japanese Burmese
Filming locations Burma
Production companies Nikkatsu

Box office

Gross US & Canada $20015
Opening weekend US & Canada $4569
Gross worldwide $33763

Tech specs

Runtime 1h 56m
Color Black and White
Sound mix Mono
Aspect ratio 1.33 : 1

Synopsis

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