Watch Behind the Rising Sun

Behind the Rising Sun is a 1943 war drama film set in Japan in 1937. The movie depicts the conflict between two cultures and the stark contrast between the Japanese and American way of life. It stars Margo, Tom Neal, and J. Carrol Naish in the lead roles. The movie opens with the arrival of a young American, Tom Hammond, in Japan. He is seeking an adventure and hoping to make a fortune in the foreign land. However, he is soon caught up in the political turmoil and military aggression that is taking Japan by storm.

Tom is befriended by a Japanese student, Taro Seki, who becomes his guide and mentor. However, Taro's liberal views and opinions about the Japanese military are not well received by his countrymen, and he is soon labeled a traitor. Meanwhile, Tom becomes embroiled in a dangerous relationship with Taro's sister, Tama.

As Japan marches towards war, Taro and his family are faced with difficult choices. They must decide whether to betray their country or stand by their principles. The tension builds as the Japanese military prepares to launch a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

The movie is a powerful and sobering account of the events leading up to World War II. It portrays the Japanese people as honorable and dignified, but also reveals the dark side of their culture - their militarism and willingness to blindly follow orders.

The acting is superb, with Margo delivering a heartfelt performance as Tama, the conflicted sister caught between her love for Tom and her loyalty to her country. Tom Neal is also impressive as Tom Hammond, capturing the naive and reckless spirit of the young American adventurer. However, it is J. Carrol Naish who steals the show as Taro Seki, the thoughtful and courageous student who dares to challenge the status quo.

The film is beautifully shot, with stunning location work in Japan and evocative set design. The music is also excellent, featuring traditional Japanese themes that add to the film's authenticity and mood.

Despite being made during the war and serving as propaganda for the American cause, Behind the Rising Sun is a nuanced and complex film that offers a balanced view of the conflict. It is a reminder of the devastating impact of war on individuals and societies and a cautionary tale about the dangers of nationalism and extremism.

Overall, Behind the Rising Sun is a must-see for anyone interested in World War II history and a poignant and powerful testament to the human experience.

Behind the Rising Sun is a 1943 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.