Tokyo Trial

While the Nuremberg trial has been discussed often in history books and has been brought on screen twice (JUDGEMENT AT NUREMBERG and the miniseries NUREMBERG) very few remember of the Tokyo trial done always when World War II was over. Well, since I am an expert on rare movies I knew I had to watch this even tho I have never seen the original miniseries on which this is based. Nonetheless, I liked it very much.

After the surrender of Japan an international tribune of judges from the victorious countries are tasked of determining the fate of Japanese war criminals. The movie then simply consists of courtroom parts and finally, some of the Japanese are found guilty and executed.

The acting was nice by all, and it might seem a coincidence that Michael Ironside here played General Douglas McArthur and in NUREMBERG played Colonel Burton Andrus. And besides, the historical part is treated so well that if you are fans of the historical period (20th century) you are bound to like this very nice movie.

11 judges, 11 countries represented, 11 official court records of which I owned one of the 11 (another story) prior to donating to the Museum of the Pacific War. My father attended in person the entire trial as he was in charge of the judges and their needs. He actually lived in the courthouse. (Former War Ministry). Based on his many stories and amazing memory, and long life (age 91) combined with the actual court records, this is a very historically true film. Right down to the "issues" different judges had. The film company did an amazing job blending actual footage (I found my dad 4 times) with new filming. Perfect acting and the accurate portrayal of emotions etc. This is the first review I have EVER written anywhere, but the truth deserves to be recognized. If this company makes future films, I will watch.

A side note: Unfortunately the Nuremberg trial, being first, received all the attention. With the Tribunal of the Far East being later, and being much longer, it received little attention including films and books. Basically prior to this well-done series, there was a short documentary and later a drama staring Tommy Lee Jones called "The Emperor". It was about trying the emperor. From my fathers first hand experience, MacArthur made the correct decision. Although difficult as it was. Serving on General Head Quarters under MacArthur, my father would often spend Sunday afternoons in MacArther's home watching movies. (The General brought his wife). He talked about this tough decision. Regardless of the emperors awareness and/or involvement; he did have a high control over the hearts of the people. Putting the Emperor on trial carried great risk of a large scale revolt or worse. Tojo was by far the worse of all, and got what he had coming. Sadly, much later, our government gave amnesty to many of the Japanese war criminals, some of which were in hiding. Such as the "Bird" who beat regularly Louie Zamperini in was portrayed in the book and not as detailed movie, Unbroken.

The movie starts with 11 jurists from around the world to give the politicians and other people responsible for thier crimes in the World War II, where all of them are adament to give them a 'Fair Trail' but most of them just wants to see them hanging for their crimes. The movie is about the legal framework around war crimes at that time, and has some exception performances from great actors from around the world. Late Irrfan Khan plays Justice Radhabinod Pal and gives one of his best performance.

Steal: how to get into character when you don't relate to it.

Justification of violence, when violence is a reflex.