This film premiered Sunday at the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival. While there have been a number of excellent documentaries on this subject, this is the first commercial film I have seen which has the potential for such broad appeal with American audiences. The director has assembled a wonderful cast of actors--both veterans and new, young actors. Gary Cole gives a subtle, but authentic performance as the military supervisor of the camp. Excellent supporting roles by Seth Sakai,Sarah Drew,Judy Ongg and Susanna Thompson add to the vitality of this ensemble. Newcomers Aaron Yoo and Leonardo Nam as the Namuro brothers are impressive. Not enough good things can be said about the Japanese veteran actor, Masatoshi Nakamura, who plays the father of the Namuro family. It is a dynamic performance and his character is the strength of this story. Shot on location in Utah, the film delivers a hard look at the Topaz internment camp and the realities of the daily lives of the interns and their captors. The mixture of period archival footage frames the story for the audience whose knowledge of the subject is minimal. Using baseball and jazz as a narrative device, this is a film the children and grandchildren of the World War II generation need to see.
14 Reviews
On balance, an original story about a predictable situation
birck31 August 2007
Full disclosure: I'm caucasian, married into an Asian family, although not a Japanese one. This film is well-done, well-acted, well-written and fair to both sides. The sides are the Japanese- Americans, v. the Townies, which includes the garrison guarding the camp. The obvious tension is there, but it's not universal: some locals are twisted cracker jerks; some are decent people. The inmates, male and female, are genuine victims of injustice, so our sympathy generally moves in one direction, appropriately. The story is of the adjustments the Japanese- Americans make for their captors, and the manner in which one interracial couple adjusts to falling in love and growing up in a situation as distorted as an internment camp. It's all believable, the dialogue is good and believable, and the film is well worth seeing. And it's subtitled in the right places.
Made to Celebrate the Dignity of Man
nturner8 November 2008
This film is made to inspire by showing the dignity of man, but as I contemplate it after viewing, I become more and more depressed that cruelty toward ethnic groups here in the United States has abated little during my lifetime.
It is the story of Americans of Japanese decent who were put in relocation (prison) camps during World War II. One of the young men forced into the camp was an excellent baseball player who was getting ready to go off to college on a full athletic scholarship. His other love was jazz at which he was also very good. Baseball and jazz - American to the core. The young man - American to the core - treated as less than a citizen because of his heritage.
The conditions in the camp are not depicted in a way that shows how harsh they actually were, however the eye-opening events (for younger viewers) and reminders of how things were (for viewers of my age) are the scenes of unabashed prejudice by the townspeople and the military against the members of the camp. Those of us who have lived through the 40's and 50's know that those times were anything but politically correct.
It has always been a mystery to me that we call our country "The Great Melting Pot," and yet we abhor the individual ingredients that go into the pot. As I write this review, my three-year-old grand-nephew is visiting. I wonder if his United States will be the one steeped in hatred and fear of minority groups as is mine. I fear so. Human nature is not prone to change.
As I said, American Pastime is made to celebrate the dignity of man, and it certainly does a good job of it. It is a good movie that gives you a good feeling if you can manage to put aside the underlying and continuing darker side of we humans.
It is the story of Americans of Japanese decent who were put in relocation (prison) camps during World War II. One of the young men forced into the camp was an excellent baseball player who was getting ready to go off to college on a full athletic scholarship. His other love was jazz at which he was also very good. Baseball and jazz - American to the core. The young man - American to the core - treated as less than a citizen because of his heritage.
The conditions in the camp are not depicted in a way that shows how harsh they actually were, however the eye-opening events (for younger viewers) and reminders of how things were (for viewers of my age) are the scenes of unabashed prejudice by the townspeople and the military against the members of the camp. Those of us who have lived through the 40's and 50's know that those times were anything but politically correct.
It has always been a mystery to me that we call our country "The Great Melting Pot," and yet we abhor the individual ingredients that go into the pot. As I write this review, my three-year-old grand-nephew is visiting. I wonder if his United States will be the one steeped in hatred and fear of minority groups as is mine. I fear so. Human nature is not prone to change.
As I said, American Pastime is made to celebrate the dignity of man, and it certainly does a good job of it. It is a good movie that gives you a good feeling if you can manage to put aside the underlying and continuing darker side of we humans.
Worth seeing "American Pastime"
justgazin21 May 2007
When I saw the movie "American Pastime", there was a Q and A afterward. This film is a compilation of many of the experiences that friends and relatives of the screen writer had during the Japanese internment camps of WWII. The producer and director stated that the entire film was filmed in Utah, near where one of the internment camps had been, so the actors could feel and understand even the weather, sand, and restrictive situations that happened.
Inspite of the seriousness of the situation, the viewer will laugh, think, and cry as they watch this film. The baseball scenes were fun, but one knows it was a bit over the top. That didn't hurt the film though. During the Q and A, we were told that baseball really was a big part of life at internment camps.
The actors were sincere. I only hope that because this film is a small budget film, that it does not get lost in the shuffle. I think it was one of the best films I have seen this year, and I go to the movies a lot..It is a sure thing.
Inspite of the seriousness of the situation, the viewer will laugh, think, and cry as they watch this film. The baseball scenes were fun, but one knows it was a bit over the top. That didn't hurt the film though. During the Q and A, we were told that baseball really was a big part of life at internment camps.
The actors were sincere. I only hope that because this film is a small budget film, that it does not get lost in the shuffle. I think it was one of the best films I have seen this year, and I go to the movies a lot..It is a sure thing.
Sincere but superficial
anohito21 April 2012
This movie is well-intentioned but as sentimental as a Hallmark card. The characters were two-dimensional; skilled actors like Masatoshi Nakamura and Gary Cole were given little depth to work with. The father: noble and proud. The mother: quiet and worried. Two brothers? You just know one is going to be a rebel and the other will make a predictable decision to prove his loyalty to America. Most of the story is hackneyed and corny. Farewell to Manzanar with Nobu McCarthy is from 1976, but it's miles ahead of this movie. Come See the Paradise, despite its White main character, is better than this too. It might be that I'm overly-familiar with internment camp movies, but I swear I've seen nearly all of these characters done better elsewhere in other movies and plays.
But it isn't all bad. The best moments come from a wily old man played by Seth Sakai who makes booze from canned peaches. His lines crackle with a sarcastic wit that is greatly needed to counterbalance the sentimentality of the other characters. The baseball scenes near the end are interesting and original, but aren't nearly enough to save this movie. American Pastime might be useful for educating kids about the camps, but it doesn't stand on its own cinematic merits.
But it isn't all bad. The best moments come from a wily old man played by Seth Sakai who makes booze from canned peaches. His lines crackle with a sarcastic wit that is greatly needed to counterbalance the sentimentality of the other characters. The baseball scenes near the end are interesting and original, but aren't nearly enough to save this movie. American Pastime might be useful for educating kids about the camps, but it doesn't stand on its own cinematic merits.
A heartfelt and uplifting account of a shameful time in American history
maciek-in-LA13 May 2007
I saw "American Pastime" on Saturday, and my only disappointment with the evening, was the meager size of the audience. There were only a handful of people in the theater. This film deserves a wide audience, hence my score and this high and enthusiastic endorsement.
I consider myself somewhat knowledgeable about the Japanese-American internment during WWII. My father and uncle were imprisoned at Mathausen in the European side of WWII. Despite my previous exposure and direct family experience, this film was still a revelation. My previous knowledge of the Japanese-American WWII experience was based mostly on plays, documentaries, and reading. Watching documentaries, particularly with interviews of camp survivors, is always very moving and heartrending. Although a dramatic fictionalized film, seeing the daily indignities and humiliations endured by the Japanese-Americans gave me even a deeper understanding of their experience.
Let anyone reading this conclude that the film is a "downer," rest assured that despite the subject matter, it is ultimately a life-affirming, spiritually uplifting film, and ironically, entertaining. The director and screenwriter have created a compelling story, which illuminates an egregious breach of justice in US history. Yet the story is very engaging, as are the talented cast of characters. The screenplay is evenhanded and compassionate, including the point of view of the guards and townspeople near the camp. Go see it. You will learn something, while being uplifted and entertained.
I consider myself somewhat knowledgeable about the Japanese-American internment during WWII. My father and uncle were imprisoned at Mathausen in the European side of WWII. Despite my previous exposure and direct family experience, this film was still a revelation. My previous knowledge of the Japanese-American WWII experience was based mostly on plays, documentaries, and reading. Watching documentaries, particularly with interviews of camp survivors, is always very moving and heartrending. Although a dramatic fictionalized film, seeing the daily indignities and humiliations endured by the Japanese-Americans gave me even a deeper understanding of their experience.
Let anyone reading this conclude that the film is a "downer," rest assured that despite the subject matter, it is ultimately a life-affirming, spiritually uplifting film, and ironically, entertaining. The director and screenwriter have created a compelling story, which illuminates an egregious breach of justice in US history. Yet the story is very engaging, as are the talented cast of characters. The screenplay is evenhanded and compassionate, including the point of view of the guards and townspeople near the camp. Go see it. You will learn something, while being uplifted and entertained.
Low budget, unknown actors
gpxdlr4 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Could have been better with an more experienced director and known actors. Important story except for the expected Asian guy/White girl romance, the "jap" hater, the hollywood-type baseball ending. Previous film on Manzanar is better. Check that one out.
A Brighter Side of Dark
pdwebbsite29 August 2007
American history has some dark moments. The internment camps involving 10,000 or so Japanese-Americans is one of these dark moments. As a teacher, most of what I have encountered on the subject is bleak documentary, and I had to really press myself to check out this DVD from the library. I am so glad I did. This movie honors those who suffered the indignities of wrongful paranoid prejudice. Harsh words, but in retrospect that's what it came down to. The director put together a movie that follows two families and their experiences during their internment time at Topaz, located in Utah. One family is Japanese-American, and the other is the point of view of the white "all American" family, the father, one of the soldiers based at the camp. The movie is all about dignity, doing what is right, and letting go of the wrongs. The centerpiece of using baseball, the American Pastime, adds the lighter moments to the movie. Overall, the movie is well-done, well-acted, and delivers illuminating historical information. I truly had no idea that so many Japanese-Americans willingly joined the service during WWII. The special features mini-doc is a must see. A family movie, although there is some language, it is recommended viewing.
Excellent... an understated movie that shines!
ETVdreamer31 December 2007
This film is a poignant drama that depicts the dichotomized perspectives of U.S. citizens during World War II. Although heritage and physical attributes divide two groups of people, common interests (jazz music, baseball, and truth) bond them together. American Pastime also delves into the inner relations of two families caught on opposite sides of the fence and the upheaval of their respective traditional values.
When one resembles the face of an enemy, it leads to fear. Fear then leads to prejudice; then prejudice to discrimination. Could it be possible for love and truth to triumph over a chasm created by war?
Commendable acting by all the cast--there is also a touching performance by Sarah Drew. The cinematography is outstanding. I highly recommend this movie.
When one resembles the face of an enemy, it leads to fear. Fear then leads to prejudice; then prejudice to discrimination. Could it be possible for love and truth to triumph over a chasm created by war?
Commendable acting by all the cast--there is also a touching performance by Sarah Drew. The cinematography is outstanding. I highly recommend this movie.
Fantastic
wbjohnston8 April 2007
I loved this movie. The movie was much different then you would think it would be. the movie is about WW2 Japenese-Amereican Interns and how they coped with their internment. I was lucky enough to be there when the producer and the writer of the book "Through Diamond" who helped with the research and the making of this movie. they answered many questions about the movie. they made it more clear even though it was already a very clear movie. everything about this movie was great. The acting, the cinematography, and the construction of the interment camp(they found the actual blueprints of the internment camp). I would recommend everyone to see it or go buy the DVD when it goes on the market.
Good baseball movie, not totally historically accurate
torey-8007310 March 2017
In the sense of being an entertaining film, this movie does a fantastic job of captivating its audience with topics and themes relevant to them while portraying at least some aspect of the Japanese American incarceration. The film itself is quite intriguing and leaves viewers satisfied with a happy ending where the underdogs come out on top. However, from a historical and educational standpoint, this film is lacking in several areas. The biased portrayal of particular details of this historical memory only furthers the uninformed psyche of the general public about the true nature of these camps. The film feeds into the propaganda circulated since the beginning of these camps that life for the Japanese American people would work out in their favor, with little time given to the remembrance of the actual devastation these people underwent.
A historical fiction merging Baseball with Humanity.
michaelbito10 September 2022
This movie should be presented as Middle School curriculum across the U. S. The screenwriter and director do a great job creating an entertaining and historical movie that provokes a myriad of emotion with a humanitarian message. I love that American Pastime brings attention to Japanese American's love for baseball. The California 'Nisei' baseball league that continues to thrive to this day, was originated after the Japanese Americans were released form the Internment camps after WWII. I had the privilege to compete in this league for 15 years and continue to support it. This is a sleeper of a movie that can be enjoyed by any generation, especially if you find romance in baseball, history and family.
The producers of this movie should team with Clint Eastwood to create an blockbuster honoring the 442nd. "Go For Broke"
The producers of this movie should team with Clint Eastwood to create an blockbuster honoring the 442nd. "Go For Broke"
Beautiful movie
rliu00112 November 2011
This is a beautiful movie with excellent acting and story line. The movie gave people some understandings what Japanese Americans went through in WW II. It is one of the biggest injustice in American history, but there is not enough stories or films about this subject. I really wish to see more films about 442 unit that fought in WWII because they are one of the bravest Army units in WWII. I can't say enough about the acting because it was excellent. The father character in the film did a wonderful job playing his role. The film did an excellent job moving the story from the beginning to the camp. Baseball story in the background tied everything together. Despite the low budget, the film was excellent from beginning to the end.
Every human should watch this as a tool to realize the ugliness and stupidity of racism
kat_braden14 September 2018
I was nervous about watching the film on our Netflix dvd as I do not like depressing stories. My husband began watching it by himself and convinced me that I would want to see it. He was spot on. I used to live (and surf!) in Hawaii and have so many Asian friends whose families had immigrated. I felt I owed them to learn what had happened to so many. What a powerful experience it was!! Thank you to all who made this film possible!
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