Watch I'll Remember April
- PG
- 1999
- 1 hr 30 min
-
6.3 (753)
I'll Remember April is a heartwarming family drama from 1999 that tells the story of four boys who discover a crashed Japanese fighter plane in a remote California forest during World War II. The film stars Pat Morita, best known for his iconic role as Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid series, alongside a talented cast of young actors including Trevor Morgan and Haley Joel Osment.
The film begins with the boys out on a camping trip deep in the forest when they stumble upon the wreckage of a Japanese fighter plane. At first, they are excited about the discovery and the prospect of salvaging parts from the plane as trophies. However, their excitement is short-lived when they realize that the pilot of the plane is still alive and injured.
The boys, with the help of a local nurse named Annie (Pam Dawber), take in the Japanese pilot and nurse him back to health. At first, they are wary of him, as they have been taught to view the Japanese as the enemy. However, as they get to know him, they begin to see him as a person and not just a symbol of wartime propaganda.
As the boys form a bond with the Japanese pilot, they begin to question the war and their own beliefs about the enemy. They realize that they are all just young boys caught up in a larger conflict that they don't fully understand. As they struggle with these conflicting emotions, they are forced to confront their own fears and prejudices.
The heart of the film is the relationship between the boys and the Japanese pilot, played with great sensitivity by Pat Morita. The scenes between Morita and the young actors are some of the most moving in the film. Morita brings a quiet dignity to the role, and his performance is a reminder of the great talent he possessed.
One of the standout performances in the film is delivered by Trevor Morgan, who plays one of the four boys. Morgan brings a depth of emotion to his role that is far beyond his years. His character's journey from ignorance and fear to empathy and understanding is both believable and moving.
Pam Dawber also turns in a strong performance as the nurse who helps the boys care for the Japanese pilot. Her character serves as a voice of reason and compassion, helping the boys find their way through their conflicting emotions.
The film is beautifully shot, with stunning vistas of the California forest serving as a backdrop to the boys' journey. The period detail is also exquisite, capturing the feel of a small California town during the waning days of the war.
Overall, I'll Remember April is a touching and thought-provoking film that explores important themes of war, prejudice, and empathy. The strong performances and beautiful cinematography make it a film well worth watching.
I'll Remember April is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.