Sayonara
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Movie Reviews of Sayonara
Movie Review: WHETHER DEALING WITH ISSUES OR ROMANCE, "SAYONARA" IS ABOUT DOING THE RIGHT THING!
Summary: 5 Stars
IN A NUTSHELL: WHAT IS THE "RIGHT THING"?
After the plot slowly and gracefully illustrated its theme, I started imagining how easily resolved this race/love issue was going to be. However, I was wrong. The thickening of the plot, delivered through the plight of Red Buttons [Joe Kelly] and his wife Miyoshi Umeki [Katsumi] after their inter-racial marriage, only served to foreshadow what was in the cards for Gruver and Hana-ogi. This double whammy of dramatic romantic issues served to clarify that the pitfalls of racial bigotry in daily life, and the extraordinary romances that had evolved despite them, were nearly equally powerful forces. One, love and caring, brings people together whereas the other, hate and antagonism, tears them apart.
After the toll that "everyday life" eventually took on "the Kelly's", things looked rather grim for Gruver and Hana-ogi. Gruver's family standing (his dad was a 4 star General) and personal achievements (he was a famous fighter pilot "Ace") were actually held against him. Hana-ogi, too, has unfair family obligations and baggage which actually turn the couple's physical survival into a long shot. In the end, it all came down to the two protagonists, Marlon Brando as Major Lloyd Gruver and Miiko Taka as Hana-ogi, sorting out and prioritizing exactly what doing the right thing entailed for them. When they decided, Gruver simply said "SAYONARA" to reporters after the couple announced their plans.
ABOUT THE FILM: MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT, "SAYONARA" IS A HEAVYWEIGHT
This is a sneaky, dramatic powerhouse that uses Brando's terrible southern accent to have us think that this is not going to be a heavyweight film, as if his accent belies a light or cavalier approach to this film -- nothing could be further from the truth. Red Buttons won a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award as did his on-screen wife, Miyoshi Umeki. The film was, in fact, nominated for 10 Oscars, including "Best Actor" for Brando, "Best Director" for Joshua Logan, "Best Adapted Screenplay" for Paul Osborn and "Best Picture" to name just a few.
BOTTOM LINE: ONE OF THE VERY BEST FILMS THAT I DIDN'T SEE WHEN IT WAS ORIGINALLY RELEASED
This was one of those films that I don't recall seeing in the theatres, but I can't imagine why I would have missed it. Having said that, it was a pleasure to see it for the first time [that I recall] yesterday on video.
Movie Review: International love story
Summary: 5 Stars
Being involved in an American/Japanese relationship myself, I am a bit of a sucker for this kind of flick. It is always nice to see something of your own life on the screen, to see things that you can empathize with and maybe show to other people so that they can understand the difficulties, prejudice and deep cultural divides that one must overcome when dealing with international romance. My partner and I both agree that "Sayonara" is one of the best, in that it respects both sides of relationship, without presenting one culture as "normal" and one as "bizarre", which is what most typically happens. The racism and hatred of the mixed couples is shown by both the Japanese and the Americans, and there are heroes and villains on both sides as well.
As many have noted, the primary romance between Marlon Brando and Miiko Taka is not the most touching. That is your typical Hollywood fare, with the coolest guy hooking up with the prettiest girl, and living pretty much happily every after. No, the true love story, the most realistic and moving, is the simple and pure affection between Joe Kelly (Red Buttons) and his wife Katsumi (Miyoshi Umeki). They are not the most beautiful or elegant couple, but the strength of their commitment to each other far exceeds the cultural and legal forces attempting to drive them apart. Without giving away too much of the story, it is no wonder why these two won Oscars for their performances instead of the more famous lead actors.
Along with that, "Sayonara" gives an accurate and educational tour of Japanese culture, including the main theatrical styles of kabuki, noh, bunraku and Takurazuka, and practices such as the tea ceremony. The only bit that was a bit off the mark was the typical home life of the couples, which was probably true of the era but hardly reflects a modern Japanese woman. However, my partner did get a big kick out of the scene where Katsumi washed Joe Kelly's back in the bathtub, as this is a traditional way for wives to show affections for their husband, and something she enjoys doing with me, so perhaps things haven't changed that much.
Movie Review: Sensitive Love Story
Summary: 5 Stars
Marlon Brando stars in "Sayonara," a 1957 love story based on the James Michener novel that tackles the issue of interracial romance. Brando plays a Major in the Air Force stationed in Korea, who also happens to be the son of a big-shot General and is wooing the daughter (played by Patricia Owens) of a Lt. General. When one of the men under his command (Red Buttons) declares his intentions of marrying a Japanese woman (Miyoshi Umeki), Brando tries to talk him out of it. When Brando and Buttons are transferred to Japan, Brando re-ignites his relationship with his girlfriend who is living there with her family. However, he also starts to realize that he's never explored what he actually wants in life - everything has been dictated by his family and social position. He then surprises even himself when he is attracted to a mysterious Japanese dancer, played by Miiko Taka.
"Sayonara" is surprisingly effective, both as a romance and as an "issues" movie; it really stands up better than most "issues" movies of its time. Most of the reason is because of the superb acting; Buttons and Umeki won Oscars for their supporting roles. In addition, Brando gives an under-stated, sensitive performance in his Oscar-nominated role. Fortunately, the outstanding acting allows the audience to believe Brando's transformation as well as the relationships that form, which is crucial for this film. Director Joshua Logan also does great work here, especially as he's best known for rather over-heated, unsubtle movies such as "Bus Stop" and "Picnic." The cinematography is exquisite and the segments in the Japanese theaters are wonderfully staged. Although "Sayonara" is a bit on the long side and probably could have used some editing, it's a first-class drama. Highly recommended.
Movie Review: Excellent movie on many levels
Summary: 5 Stars
The story is tight and well written. There are no lose ends; yet there is flexibility to speculate what each decision means to the people evolved. For some it is a straightforward love story, for others conflict. Yet it is the conflict that leads to growth and understanding.
The actors match the characters perfectly and even though they are major actors they do not overwhelm the characters that they play. For some reason I forget that James Garner is in this movie yet he is the pivot point and catalyst for many scenes as Captain Mike Bailey.
The scenery was intriguing. First there was the countryside that appeared timeless yet the theaters were both ancient and modern (for the time period of the movie). I spent an R. &R. in Japan in 1968 (more time in the country then at the Ginza) and had a hard time leaving my self.
There is always a residual of the attitudes that were taking place during the Korean War period. And there are many more prejudices to fill the gap today. It is unfortunate that these people do not recognize themselves in the movie (if they did the movie may never have been made), and this alone is what makes the movie worth watching.
If you watch it once you will watch it again.
Movie Review: An under seen masterpiece!
Summary: 5 Stars
When I mention the film Sayaonara to anyone who likes a good flick, the first thing they say is "never heard of it". Then I lend it to them and and they are simply speechless! Sayonara is a film that made such a strong impression on me the first time I saw it some 15 years ago, that I never forgot it and till this day I can recall the dialogue, scenery, and characters like it was yesterday. This film has always been a favorite of mine. I have a soft spot for a well made epic love story and the plot of a G.I. in a foregin land falling for a mysterious and beautiful woman. Then the realization of both characters knowing that their love may not be possible and may cause nothing but anguish and harm is simply amazing and heart felt! This film is up there with the "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" (AND THAT MOVIE IS AMAZING!!!) as a total tear jerker. The scene where brando must follow Japanese custom and remove his shoes in his lovers house for the first time is just an all around exhale of human emotion. I cry till this day and can't wait to cry over the film in a more clearer transfer of the characters facial expressions of their emotions on screen-a CLASSIC!