Watch The Pacific War: Okinawa & Guadalcanal

The Pacific War: Okinawa & Guadalcanal is a documentary film that explores two of the most crucial battles in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Directed by Dan King, the film features interviews with notable historians and veterans who recount the accounts of the battles. The film begins by setting the context of the Pacific War and the importance of the two battles. Okinawa is highlighted as the bloodiest and largest amphibious assault in the Pacific while Guadalcanal is shown as the first step in rolling back the Japanese advance in the South Pacific.

Richard B. Frank, one of the featured historians, provides an in-depth analysis of the strategic importance of both battles. He explains that Guadalcanal served as a gateway to Australia and New Zealand, providing a vital air and shipping route, while Okinawa was seen as a possible gateway to mainland Japan.

The film goes on to describe how the battles were fought, beginning with Guadalcanal. Tom Mclead, a veteran who fought in Guadalcanal, provides first-hand accounts of the fighting. He speaks of the treacherous terrain, filled with jungles, swamp land and disease. The Japanese had established strong defenses and were using them to fiercely resist the Americans. The veterans describe the intense jungle fighting, the difficulties of supply and resupply, and the high human cost of the fighting. The documentary goes on to explain how the Japanese navy put up a determined resistance, with numerous and deadly nighttime naval battles that saw the loss of powerful Japanese ships, and how the Americans were eventually able to gain the upper hand.

The documentary then moves onto Okinawa and outlines the tactics used by both sides. The island was heavily fortified by the Japanese, who took advantage of the mountainous terrain and intricate cave systems to create elaborate defensive works. The documentary shows how the American commanders were able to adapt their tactics to the difficult terrain, using flamethrowers and tanks to thwart the Japanese defenses.

Richard B. Frank explains how the Japanese suicide tactics, such as Kamikaze aircraft, became more common towards the end of the war. The documentary features interviews with some of the sailors who were aboard the ships that were attacked by these suicide bombers. The veterans explain how terrifying it was to see the planes come in, and how the collective effort of the sailors was required to try and fend them off.

In addition to the war footage, the documentary also provides a glimpse into the experiences of the soldiers who fought in these battles. The veterans, some of whom were teenagers at the time, describe the fear, hunger, and exhaustion that went along with fighting in these hostile environments. They speak of the importance of brotherhood and comradeship during such times of intense stress, with many having lost friends and fellow soldiers.

Overall, The Pacific War: Okinawa & Guadalcanal provides a comprehensive account of two of the most significant battles in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The documentary is informative and emotional, providing insight into the strategic importance of the battles, the tactics used by both sides, and the experiences of the soldiers who fought in them. For those interested in military history and World War II, this documentary is a must-watch.

The Pacific War: Okinawa & Guadalcanal is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 53 minutes.