There's no holds barred in this domestic war drama about hatred towards Japanese Americans after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The story surrounds the love of American girl Patty Duke and the kindly Japanese American Frank Michael Liu and the shocking reactions to their sudden marriage. Like the rumble of "West Side Story", there's double accidental murder with Liu arrested for killing Duke's brother (Michael McGreevey) after he beats Liu's cousin (Mako) to death.
Even the Chinese Americans become Japanese Americans, showing their fear of being accidentally confused for being Japanese. Sensible white Americans who lived in peace side by side with the Japanese-Americans are filled with hate and fear and that includes Duke's own father, James Whitmore. There's at least some sympathy if not much from a local teacher played by legendary actress Anne Baxter.
It's not long after the declaration of war on Japan when government agent Bert Remsen invades Liu's home, looking for any evidence that the family are actually spies. Of course everything that he finds is circumstantial, and it shows how ridiculous the accusations are. At least the sheriff seems to be somewhat sympathetic and against the anti-japanese bias. Unfortunately, there's little he can do. This is a powerful domestic war drama with very believable performances and a touching situation that really had no reason for being in a country that seemed to be based on reason. This celebrated the 30th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, and 50 years later, is still amazingly strong.
Even the Chinese Americans become Japanese Americans, showing their fear of being accidentally confused for being Japanese. Sensible white Americans who lived in peace side by side with the Japanese-Americans are filled with hate and fear and that includes Duke's own father, James Whitmore. There's at least some sympathy if not much from a local teacher played by legendary actress Anne Baxter.
It's not long after the declaration of war on Japan when government agent Bert Remsen invades Liu's home, looking for any evidence that the family are actually spies. Of course everything that he finds is circumstantial, and it shows how ridiculous the accusations are. At least the sheriff seems to be somewhat sympathetic and against the anti-japanese bias. Unfortunately, there's little he can do. This is a powerful domestic war drama with very believable performances and a touching situation that really had no reason for being in a country that seemed to be based on reason. This celebrated the 30th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, and 50 years later, is still amazingly strong.