Watch The Orange Story

The Orange Story is a historical drama film from 2016 that tells the story of a Japanese American family forced to evacuate from their home in San Francisco during World War II. The film is directed by Erika Street and co-written by her and Shelly Yo. It stars Colleen Mooney as Kayo, Jules Reid as Bill, and Elaine Kaneshiro as Mrs. Tanaka.

Set in the early 1940s, the story revolves around the Tanaka family, who own a grocery store in San Francisco. When the United States enters World War II, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the government enacts a series of policies aimed at limiting the movement and activity of Japanese Americans. One of these policies is the forced evacuation and internment of Japanese Americans to concentration camps. In the film, the Tanaka family is given just a few days to pack their belongings and leave their home.

Kayo, the main character, is a young woman who has grown up in San Francisco and is fiercely proud of her Japanese heritage. She is devastated by the news of the evacuation and struggles to come to terms with what is happening to her family and her community. Bill, her childhood friend, is a young American soldier who has been assigned to help with the evacuation. Although he tries to be helpful to Kayo and her family, he is also conflicted about his loyalty to his country and his friendship with Kayo.

The film is a moving portrayal of the emotional toll of the evacuation on the Tanaka family and the wider Japanese American community. It highlights the difficult choices that these families were forced to make, such as whether to sell their businesses and belongings or leave them behind. It also shows the impact of the evacuation on relationships and friendships, as Kayo and Bill struggle to understand each other's perspectives.

One of the strengths of The Orange Story is its attention to detail in depicting the period and the setting. The film was shot on location in San Francisco, and the filmmakers went to great lengths to recreate the clothing, hairstyles, and architecture of the time. The film also incorporates historical footage and photographs to give context to the story.

The Orange Story is a thought-provoking film that raises important questions about race, loyalty, and patriotism. It does not shy away from the injustices that were done to Japanese Americans during World War II, but it also shows the resilience and strength of the families who were affected. Although it is set in the past, the film's themes are relevant today, particularly given ongoing debates around immigration and discrimination.

Overall, The Orange Story is a well-made and engaging film that is both educational and emotionally resonant. It is a testament to the power of cinema to tell stories that help us understand the past and the present.