Watch Paper Lanterns

Paper Lanterns is a historical documentary film, directed by Barry Frechette and co-produced by Peter Grilli and John McAlevey, that tells the heartwarming story of two men, one American and one Japanese, who ultimately form a bond in the aftermath of World War II. The film centers on the experiences of Shigeaki Mori, a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, and a New England man named Normand Brissette, who was among the American crew members of the Enola Gay that dropped the bomb on Mori's hometown in 1945.

The story is a uniquely personal one, as it follows the lives of these two men and their families throughout the years, chronicling how they come to meet and the unlikely friendship that blooms between them.

Throughout the film, the audience is transported back in time to the days leading up to and the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, via archival footage and interviews with survivors, including Mori himself.

The bombing had a profound and life-altering effect on Mori, who was just eight years old at the time. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice from his fellow Japanese citizens due to his status as a "hibakusha," or atomic bomb survivor, Mori refused to be silenced and dedicated his life to ensuring that the stories of those affected by the bombing were not forgotten.

Years later, through a twist of fate, Mori discovered the name of the man who dropped the atomic bomb on his hometown - Normand Brissette. Though Brissette had passed away, his wife Connie and son Eddie were still alive, and Mori was determined to reach out to them.

What follows is a beautiful tale of forgiveness and understanding, as Mori and the Brissettes meet for the first time and come to recognize the humanity in each other. The two families form a lasting bond, traveling together to Japan to visit Hiroshima and to participate in commemorative events.

Throughout the film, the message of peace and reconciliation rings loud and clear, as the audience comes to see the humanity in both the Japanese and American perspectives. Through touching interviews and poignant moments of reflection, the film inspires viewers to work towards healing and understanding in their own lives and communities.

Overall, Paper Lanterns is a must-see film for anyone interested in history, human connections, and the power of forgiveness. The story of Shigeaki Mori and Normand Brissette is both unique and universal, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of hope in times of great adversity.

Paper Lanterns is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3.