Independent Lens Season 10 Episode 21 Wings of Defeat

Wings of Defeat is an episode from season 10 of the documentary series Independent Lens. This episode explores the little-known history of the kamikaze pilots who were ordered by the Japanese government to carry out suicide missions during World War II.

Through personal interviews with surviving kamikaze pilots, as well as with American pilots who were involved in the battles, the episode offers a glimpse into the mentality of those who carried out these attacks. It presents a complex and nuanced picture of the pilots, who were often idealistic young men who felt they were fighting for their country and their honor.

The episode also features archival footage and photographs, as well as scenes of modern-day Japan, where the legacy of the kamikaze pilots is still felt today. Through these various elements, Wings of Defeat provides a comprehensive and moving look at a little-understood aspect of World War II history.

One of the key themes of the episode is the power of propaganda and nationalism. The Japanese government used propaganda to convince young men that they were fighting a holy war against Western imperialism, and that their deaths would be honored and remembered for generations to come. This ideology was so powerful that many pilots felt not only duty-bound to carry out their missions, but also believed that they would be fulfilling a noble and heroic destiny.

At the same time, the American pilots who fought against the kamikaze attacks often experienced deep psychological trauma as a result. Many were injured or killed in the attacks, and some struggled to reconcile their own feelings of patriotism with the reality of facing young men who were willing to die for their cause.

Overall, Wings of Defeat is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that sheds light on a little-discussed chapter of World War II history. Through its mix of personal testimony, historical footage, and modern-day reflection, it asks us to consider the complex motivations behind acts of violence and the enduring legacies of war.