To End All Wars (2001)
Note: Unfortunately some minor spoilers are necessary
to discuss this beautiful film.
Who wants to see a WWII Prisoner of War movie?
Anyone... No. Too bad, you're going to miss a masterpiece.
Sure, this is a hard sell. The prospect of watching
men tortured for two hours by their Japanese captors
did not sit well with me. I mean, we've seen how these
movies go. I've seen "Papillon" and "Merry Christmas
Mr. Lawrence." That was enough, I thought. But "To End
All Wars" has some of the most interesting twists on
the genre.
Based on a true story, "To End All Wars" works
for two reasons. Firstly, the prisoners engage in teaching
and philosophical discussions which, ultimately, evolve
into discussions about what is happening within the
camp itself. At heart here, the themes of forgiveness
and understanding evolve out of the plot of the film.
This idea culminates with a scene (which I won't give
away here) that teeters closely to going over the top.
But finally the film is so awesome and so honest that
it can be forgiven itself. Again, the fact that it is
based on a true story allows us to indulge the suspension
of disbelief much more freely.
Of utmost wonderment here is the characters of
the prison guards. Although occasionally shown as staunch
evil, there are several Asian characters that are shown
to be real people with real emotions and real intellect.
I don't want to give away too much here, but there is
one scene where a guard beats a prisoner for a perceived
theft. When the missing item is found to be not missing,
and only reported missing due to a miscount, the guard
turns on his own man and beats him instead. What is
amazing here is that the beating of the prisoner, while
harsh, is perfunctory and measured. When the guard beats
his own man, it is out of control and impassioned with
anger. He is angry that a clerical error has made him
brutally injure another. It is a scene that will astound
in its profound realism and skewered humanity. Amazing
stuff.
This capacity for humanity on the part of the Asians
here is perfectly embodied by Yugo Saso as Takashi Nagase.
Saso has a cherubic face and speaks (what we called)
perfect English. In his sorrowful yet subdued glare
early in the film, we begin to glean some humanity on
the part of the captors. Saso is able to convey this
with nary a word of dialogue and only a look. When the
film's plot begins to evolve in this way, it seems likely
and correct because Saso has laid the groundwork for
it simply by being on camera. His presence is that important
to the film. Later, he is allowed to show that he is
a remarkable actor as well.
Starring Keifer Sutherland and Robert Carlysle
(the latter forever associated with "Trainspotting"),
this film boasts no huge name stars to draw an audience.
"To End All Wars" also has to overcome its seemingly
dismal setting and theme. But given a chance to see
it, anyone from 15 to 105 will be overwhelmed by its
power and its amazing grace. This is the logical successor
to "Saving Private Ryan" in its capacity to inform and
entertain a whole new generation on the horrors of war
and the improbable humanity that can evolve from misunderstanding
and conflict.
Simply put: A masterpiece.
Note:
The film ends with footage of real life prisoner
(the film is based on his book) and guard (Nagase) reuniting
in the 90's at a memorial cemetery.
More
of Lodger's reviews indexed alphabetically! Just click
your favorite letter to go there.
a
b c
d e
f g
h i
j k
l m
n o
p q
r s
t u
v w
x y
z
HOME
|
