10/10
Very profound and educational historic film about Japan.
17 September 2021
Great historic film recreating the chain of historical events from April to August 15, 1945, which determined the further fate of Japan: the last months of the command of the armed forces of Imperial Japan - which ignited the explosive clash between hardliners within Japan's military leadership and the more pacifistic approach of Emperor Hirohito and Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki - which ultimately led to Japan's surrender in the second world war. The main ideological conflict seemed to be, whether Japan was to survive as a beaten nation under the initial occupation of the US - advocated by Emperor Hirohito - or whether Japan was to go down in a blaze of glory (and live forever as an immortal nation in the spirit world!) - advocated by hardliners within Japan's military leadership. Both arguments had their pro's and con's - as highlighted in this very detailed dramatization of historic events.

As one very renowned Japanese military leader put it - who contributed considerably in thwarting the military coup and securing Japan's future - the Japanese are very hard working people, and will survive and prosper; even though Japan's military leadership was humbled in the aftermath of the second world war.

So in light of the current political crisis in Japan - and that since the second world war, only five politicians have hung on to the prime minister's office for five years or longer - I would like to emphasize to the people of Japan, that the future destiny of their country lies solely in their hands. Japan's politicians and military leaders have redeemed themselves - as indicated in this great historical film.

In today's world, no country holds any sway over Japan's polity anymore. So in view of the current political crisis between China and the West, Japan does not owe any allegiance to any country. Indeed, whether Japan stays neutral, or decides to side with China is up to them :)
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