26 reviews
This is a fictionalized story is based on a manga and is not meant to be historically accurate. The first exciting 15 minutes of the movie made me think it was a war film. Instead it is a tale of a mathematician, who 9 years before the battle, tried heroically to prevent a money wasting battleship from being built for Japan's pre-WW2 navy instead of a carrier built on behalf of the forward thinking General Yamamoto.
The attack on the battleship at the beginning was well done and exciting. The main character ,played by Masaki Suda, gives an award-winning quality performance. The rest of the cast is good as well. Watching it in the original Japanese will better reflect their performances. There are some not so believable elements that you'll need to put aside in order to better enjoy the film. The final act has a poignant and surprising twist.
The attack on the battleship at the beginning was well done and exciting. The main character ,played by Masaki Suda, gives an award-winning quality performance. The rest of the cast is good as well. Watching it in the original Japanese will better reflect their performances. There are some not so believable elements that you'll need to put aside in order to better enjoy the film. The final act has a poignant and surprising twist.
This starts with the sinking of the Yamato during WWII. Back in 1933, the heads of the Japanese Navy are gathering to decide on the construction of a new ship. Forward thinking Admirals, Yamamoto and Nagano, foresee the coming obsolescence of the battleship. They are pushing for an aircraft carrier but they are losing out to the old guards who want to build a gigantic battleship. They recruit military-hating obsessive mathematician Tadashi Kai to discredit the low-ball cost estimates of their rivals.
This is a different kind of war story. The start has plenty of CGI action but the bulk of this is about the procurement process. The drama is not particularly high since the general outcome is foretold by history. We know that Japan is building both and many more ships. More importantly, the war is inevitable. One side wants it and the other side expects it. Kai may be naive enough to think he can stop the war but the audience is never fooled. The end does have a few unexpected turns but the final direction remains the same. Also, measuring a battleship with a tape measure is more than silly. The obvious move is to steal or cajole all the costs and blueprints of previous ship constructions. Essentially, they arrive at that same idea eventually. The story does hold one surprise for its climax which I like but the tension is always held back due the overall inevitability.
This is a different kind of war story. The start has plenty of CGI action but the bulk of this is about the procurement process. The drama is not particularly high since the general outcome is foretold by history. We know that Japan is building both and many more ships. More importantly, the war is inevitable. One side wants it and the other side expects it. Kai may be naive enough to think he can stop the war but the audience is never fooled. The end does have a few unexpected turns but the final direction remains the same. Also, measuring a battleship with a tape measure is more than silly. The obvious move is to steal or cajole all the costs and blueprints of previous ship constructions. Essentially, they arrive at that same idea eventually. The story does hold one surprise for its climax which I like but the tension is always held back due the overall inevitability.
- SnoopyStyle
- Jun 7, 2022
- Permalink
The Great War of Archimedes is Takashi Yamazaki's second stab at similar themes he would later refine further in the glorious Godzilla Minus One, yet he handles said themes in way more cynical approach than what we saw with the big lizard. With The Great War of Archimedes, Yamazaki explores all the political and personal ramifications of building what would become the Yamato would cause Japan, inevitable war. In a way, it feels extremely derivative of Yamazaki's earlier The Eternal Zero, acting as a self-aware commentary on Japan's militarism and contemporary national ethos. Much of the film is a courtroom drama, but Yamazaki does manage to sneak in a lot of fabulously executed action, he's one of the best Japanese filmmakers when it comes to utilising CG to augment his set pieces. Combine this with some stirring performances from its cast and a gorgeous score by Naoki Sato leaves The Great War of Archimedes as another underseen gem in Yamazaki's extensive filmography.
- DanTheMan2150AD
- Jan 6, 2024
- Permalink
If you are interested in watching this film, I strongly suggest you give a quick read on the general failures of Washington Naval Conference, which sets up the meaning and context of the plot of this film.
Essentially the Washington Naval conference plus London naval conference, like most arms control treaties, addressed and limited the instruments of the PRIOR war in an attempt to forestall future wars. In the case of the 1920's WNC, it effectively limited the number of battleships and other large naval gunfire platforms such as battle/heavy a nation could have. The logic was that since these were main instrumentalities in WWI, and the metric of a nations overall industrial power, that limiting them would prevent war. Hence the "Archimedes" in the title. As you will recall from physics class, the ancient Greek scientist is the one who shouted "eureka" when understanding that as he went into a tub of bathwater that his body was displacing an equal weight of water. This goes to the metric controlled by WNC /LNC-- the weight displaced by warships.
There are two things in the background in this film: a) the systematic cheating on the metrics by Japan, and b) supposed divisions within the Imperial Japanese Navy as to how to allocate its allowed tonnage of displacement. There is a problem in the latter, because this film repeats debunked revisionist claims that the resistance to build battleships like Yamato was significant. It was not. Theses supposedly prescient cadre of young officers who wanted to build more carriers than Japan had built simply did not exist. And the problem Japan had with aviation in WWII was not carriers or airbases -- it was a total inability to replace their aviators due to something that had nothing to do with military industrial capacity . To wit Japan's severely lacking higher education system which is needed from which to select potential air crews. Japan was not able to crew even its land based aircraft being produced even during the war.
Essentially the Washington Naval conference plus London naval conference, like most arms control treaties, addressed and limited the instruments of the PRIOR war in an attempt to forestall future wars. In the case of the 1920's WNC, it effectively limited the number of battleships and other large naval gunfire platforms such as battle/heavy a nation could have. The logic was that since these were main instrumentalities in WWI, and the metric of a nations overall industrial power, that limiting them would prevent war. Hence the "Archimedes" in the title. As you will recall from physics class, the ancient Greek scientist is the one who shouted "eureka" when understanding that as he went into a tub of bathwater that his body was displacing an equal weight of water. This goes to the metric controlled by WNC /LNC-- the weight displaced by warships.
There are two things in the background in this film: a) the systematic cheating on the metrics by Japan, and b) supposed divisions within the Imperial Japanese Navy as to how to allocate its allowed tonnage of displacement. There is a problem in the latter, because this film repeats debunked revisionist claims that the resistance to build battleships like Yamato was significant. It was not. Theses supposedly prescient cadre of young officers who wanted to build more carriers than Japan had built simply did not exist. And the problem Japan had with aviation in WWII was not carriers or airbases -- it was a total inability to replace their aviators due to something that had nothing to do with military industrial capacity . To wit Japan's severely lacking higher education system which is needed from which to select potential air crews. Japan was not able to crew even its land based aircraft being produced even during the war.
- random-70778
- Oct 18, 2021
- Permalink
In the time after the japanese/russian war japan became more and more isolated and nationalistic until the fascistera inevitably took hold as a popular wind took hold after the great depression and the great build up. for japan to evolve strength had to look elsewhere for resources to manage the job, a great navy where needed for this expansion policy and this film is about this.
its a officers behind eachother back-talking and stabbing eachother what would be best and most effective. its the generals and the plutocrats and an emperor that in these days where ''god''to the japanese people.
as a tech product there are lots of good input but also some pretty artificial looking vfx and cgi's, but its allright if you put the strongest glasses on to blur the edges.
if you are in for a warfilm you will be disapointed, otherwise its viewable for a grumpy old man
its a officers behind eachother back-talking and stabbing eachother what would be best and most effective. its the generals and the plutocrats and an emperor that in these days where ''god''to the japanese people.
as a tech product there are lots of good input but also some pretty artificial looking vfx and cgi's, but its allright if you put the strongest glasses on to blur the edges.
if you are in for a warfilm you will be disapointed, otherwise its viewable for a grumpy old man
"The Great War of Archimedes" (2019) offers a captivating journey into naval politics and wartime calculations. Though visually impressive, the film's 2+ hour runtime can feel bloated at times, with repetitive sequences and drawn-out dialogues. While the central plot about a math prodigy uncovering corruption is intriguing, the pacing hinders its full impact.
Despite these shortcomings, the film's strength lies in its engaging characters and the compelling moral dilemma presented. Suda Masaki delivers a nuanced performance as the conflicted math whiz, while the supporting cast adds depth and intrigue. The film successfully portrays the complexities of war and the sacrifices demanded from individuals caught in its midst.
Overall, "The Great War of Archimedes" is a worthwhile watch for those interested in historical dramas and intricate plotlines. However, viewers seeking a fast-paced experience might find it a bit long-winded.
Rating: 7/10.
Despite these shortcomings, the film's strength lies in its engaging characters and the compelling moral dilemma presented. Suda Masaki delivers a nuanced performance as the conflicted math whiz, while the supporting cast adds depth and intrigue. The film successfully portrays the complexities of war and the sacrifices demanded from individuals caught in its midst.
Overall, "The Great War of Archimedes" is a worthwhile watch for those interested in historical dramas and intricate plotlines. However, viewers seeking a fast-paced experience might find it a bit long-winded.
Rating: 7/10.
This movie eas ruined by awful dubbing. Main character had nothing in his girl like voice to show the emotion in the actor's portrayal, but switching to bad out of sync captions did not help, just made it confusing. If I understood Japanese I am sure it would have rated 10.
The actors were great and the story was well told. I regret that I could not enjoy it. I feel dubbed movies are a blot on all movies and a complete contradiction to an otherwise champion performance. It is beyond me why there are still misinformed people, pretending to enjoy film, but not willing to see or listen to the true performance. I will look for this film in other streaming services and watch it again. It was truly a film worth viewing under better circumstances.
The actors were great and the story was well told. I regret that I could not enjoy it. I feel dubbed movies are a blot on all movies and a complete contradiction to an otherwise champion performance. It is beyond me why there are still misinformed people, pretending to enjoy film, but not willing to see or listen to the true performance. I will look for this film in other streaming services and watch it again. It was truly a film worth viewing under better circumstances.
Great Japanese film about the pre-war corruption, code of honor and nationalistic pride that led to Japan's complete destruction. So many in the high command knew a war with America was unwinnable but militaristic pride and honor to the Emperor ruled their decisions.
Largest Battleship ever built used for nothing more than a Kamikaze Raid that took 3000 sailors.
Not an action film (apart from the sinking), but a Japanese snapshot of ne part of mindset that led to war.
Best watched in the original Japanese with subtitles.
*oh, actor who portrayed Admiral Nagumo in Midway plays Admiral Nagano here.*
Largest Battleship ever built used for nothing more than a Kamikaze Raid that took 3000 sailors.
Not an action film (apart from the sinking), but a Japanese snapshot of ne part of mindset that led to war.
Best watched in the original Japanese with subtitles.
*oh, actor who portrayed Admiral Nagumo in Midway plays Admiral Nagano here.*
- rickmccamy
- Dec 22, 2021
- Permalink
Well, not quite: the opening sequence off the battle that sank the Japanese Navy's Yamato--the the largest and most powerful battleship in the world at that time--is pretty effective and pretty accurate. It has no context, however: it is never established what was a stake or the reasons for the battle, nor is it noted that the ship was essentially on a suicide mission vs the USN invasion fleet off Okinawa during the end game of WWII. So it would be wise to consult Wikipedia, at the least, before watching. After watching this scene, rewind, watch a couple more times, and skip all the rest, which--even if you do take time to find out all about (as suggested below) the Washington naval treaty--is all nonsense (the ending is particularly non-credible). The only 'action' after the sinking scene is all on dry land, with hardly a ship seen again nor a shot fired-- just a lot of sneaking about in offices and yelling at naval conferences. Not fair to say anything about the acting, as the version I saw was dubbed (pretty horribly).
Yes, there WERE a few officers in the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) opposed to building the THREE superbattleships actually laid down (Musashi, Yamato and Shinano) but they were overwhelmed by the "Gun Club" of old timers who ruled most navies of that period. Battleships were built by all of WW2's navies, but those of the Axis powers fared poorly. Italy was out of the war early and her fleet surrendered to the British. The Germans had no great naval tradition (like Britain), fought poorly, often ran away, and were trashed in the end. The Japanese, after Pearl Harbor, lost steadily. Her superbattleships suffered most of all, ignominiously. Musashi was sunk in late 1944 EN ROUTE to her FIRST battle, by USN carrier planes. Yamato was sunk EXACTLY the same way in exactly the same circumstances mere months later. The third, Shinano, was converted to an aircraft carrier and was sunk by a USN submarine with 24 hours of leaving port on her first voyage.
You will learn none of this by watching this unutterably stupid movie, and there is no point in watching it unless you know it.
FYI to somebody below: Yes, Yamato did fire 18" shells at aircraft: they were a special AA shell called (if I remember correctly) 'beehive' shells. They were worthless. Sinking Yamato cost the USN 10 airplanes, most of them knocked out of the sky when she blew up with a truly volcanic explosion heard and seen dozens of miles away.
Yes, there WERE a few officers in the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) opposed to building the THREE superbattleships actually laid down (Musashi, Yamato and Shinano) but they were overwhelmed by the "Gun Club" of old timers who ruled most navies of that period. Battleships were built by all of WW2's navies, but those of the Axis powers fared poorly. Italy was out of the war early and her fleet surrendered to the British. The Germans had no great naval tradition (like Britain), fought poorly, often ran away, and were trashed in the end. The Japanese, after Pearl Harbor, lost steadily. Her superbattleships suffered most of all, ignominiously. Musashi was sunk in late 1944 EN ROUTE to her FIRST battle, by USN carrier planes. Yamato was sunk EXACTLY the same way in exactly the same circumstances mere months later. The third, Shinano, was converted to an aircraft carrier and was sunk by a USN submarine with 24 hours of leaving port on her first voyage.
You will learn none of this by watching this unutterably stupid movie, and there is no point in watching it unless you know it.
FYI to somebody below: Yes, Yamato did fire 18" shells at aircraft: they were a special AA shell called (if I remember correctly) 'beehive' shells. They were worthless. Sinking Yamato cost the USN 10 airplanes, most of them knocked out of the sky when she blew up with a truly volcanic explosion heard and seen dozens of miles away.
- billmarsano
- Mar 1, 2022
- Permalink
First it must be stated that this in no way is a 'war movie' as most think of it. The only direct depiction of battle occurs in the beginning of the movie, and as others have said requires some background knowledge of the actual history to grasp what is being depicted. However, I found it striking (and others without the historical knowledge can do likewise) to think back on this scene after the architect describes the ship's purpose later in the movie. I have no idea how accurate the movie is in depicting the actual sentiment's of the architect, but regardless it struck me and made me rethink how I viewed the construction of the ship in question.
At this point it must also be said that the dubbing of the movie does it no favors (besides not requiring a fluency in Japanese to view). The dubbed voices of all figures accept Yamamoto seemed to me to often not reflect the sentiments of the action depicted, which does detract from the viewing experience. However, they do serve to make the movie understandable for non-Japanese speakers such as myself, and for that at least I am grateful. I'm not sure if it is possible to watch the movie in Japanese but simply with English subtitles, but it is something to look into if you find the dubbing too jarring to watch the movie otherwise.
Returning to the rest of the movie, it follows the discussion of how the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) planned to expand during the 1930s, when war with the world was not yet actuality, but could be seen on the horizon. It therefore closely examines (with a background of the internal politics of the Japanese armed forces) the debate over two potential paths of expansion, and the costs behind each one. Cue the wiz-kid with a knack for numbers, called in to question the expected costs of one of the plans. And here is where the viewer intent on a stereotypical war movie will lose interest; but for those who continue watching, they will likely leave with a much greater appreciation for all of the abstract mathematical concepts they suffered through in school (I know I for one left seeing much better the usefulness of optimization and regression than when I began). This is a war movie that considers the intellectual backing of the effort, whether that be calculations, counterintelligence, or even how to effectively utilize (or counter if need be) the underpinnings of a nation at war; and that is not something with a terribly large audience of interest. But for those interested in such things, I found the movie a terrific watch.
At this point it must also be said that the dubbing of the movie does it no favors (besides not requiring a fluency in Japanese to view). The dubbed voices of all figures accept Yamamoto seemed to me to often not reflect the sentiments of the action depicted, which does detract from the viewing experience. However, they do serve to make the movie understandable for non-Japanese speakers such as myself, and for that at least I am grateful. I'm not sure if it is possible to watch the movie in Japanese but simply with English subtitles, but it is something to look into if you find the dubbing too jarring to watch the movie otherwise.
Returning to the rest of the movie, it follows the discussion of how the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) planned to expand during the 1930s, when war with the world was not yet actuality, but could be seen on the horizon. It therefore closely examines (with a background of the internal politics of the Japanese armed forces) the debate over two potential paths of expansion, and the costs behind each one. Cue the wiz-kid with a knack for numbers, called in to question the expected costs of one of the plans. And here is where the viewer intent on a stereotypical war movie will lose interest; but for those who continue watching, they will likely leave with a much greater appreciation for all of the abstract mathematical concepts they suffered through in school (I know I for one left seeing much better the usefulness of optimization and regression than when I began). This is a war movie that considers the intellectual backing of the effort, whether that be calculations, counterintelligence, or even how to effectively utilize (or counter if need be) the underpinnings of a nation at war; and that is not something with a terribly large audience of interest. But for those interested in such things, I found the movie a terrific watch.
- snoopyreviewsmovies
- Jul 25, 2023
- Permalink
I'd been searching for this film for ages and what a disappointment. It's not a bad film per se and the acting is great but I was looking for an out and out action war film. That is what the trailer made this appear to be to me, but alas little did I know the trailer I'd seen on Facebook is all the action and battle scenes from the entire film and you get all of that in the first 5 mins. After that it's more a thriller - it rolls back to the pre World War II years and Japans military armaments and ambitions of empire. Two competing military groups within the navies senior ranks are deciding on whether to build the biggest and best battleship in the world to date (first group) or an aircraft carrier (2nd Group led by Yamamoto who feels any future war at sea will be decided by aircraft and thus carriers will be the most important of naval vessels in any future war).
It's all about politics and trying to prove the other side wrong not only on whats best but on the true cost of the rival options. It plays well and is interesting but when I sat down I wanted an action war film and this is most certainly not that!
It's all about politics and trying to prove the other side wrong not only on whats best but on the true cost of the rival options. It plays well and is interesting but when I sat down I wanted an action war film and this is most certainly not that!
- bluelionman
- Aug 19, 2020
- Permalink
- wepollock-682-575986
- Dec 28, 2021
- Permalink
The dubbing in the English language version of this movie appeared to have been inspired by the late Ed Woods. The opening scene of CGI wonders showing the sinking of the Yamato got technical details wrong. After this, it takes the big nose dive into the oblivion of godawful dubbing and poor acting. A mathematics whizz-kid who has been kicked out of university does not address top admirals of the IJN.in the manner the central character did. If he did, he would spend the rest of his life stuffed up a faucet, if he did live. This movie was an embarrassment to history and movie making.
- irvingwarner
- Jul 29, 2022
- Permalink
I found this movie to have an interesting mix of historical and fiction in the events portrayed. The CGI used in some sections is fairly good, but could have been better, which I assume is related to the production budget. The acting seems to be somewhat exaggerated in gesture and vocalization. There are some technical faults in the battle scene and in the sinking of the ship, but they do not detract from the imagery - only a 'purist' would point them out. The English dubbing takes some getting used to from the synchronicity of the face and words. Listening in Japanese and having English subtitles is easier to watch.
- paulgmoffat
- Oct 20, 2021
- Permalink
So the Movie starts with the sinking of the Yamato. 5 to 10 quite thrilling Minutes worth watching. The remaining 120 Minutes? Booooring as hell and a waste of time. Imagine you are late 10 minutes at the Movie Theatre you might as well just head home Right away.
- mourad-zarrouk
- Dec 21, 2021
- Permalink
If you are looking for a typical war flick full of explosions, machines zooming around, and wise cracking soldiers... THIS IS NOT FOR YOU. However if you have the slightest patience, are willing to be absorbed by the story, and hold on to the very end, this movie is something special to the point of pure cinematic gold.
This movie is an EPIC of amazing proportions and personalities. I will admit at first I was confused and slightly annoyed at this product of the legendary Toho studios. It somehow didn't fit with my expectations of giant monsters and beautifully crafted models. Little did I know that the leviathan at the heart of this movie would prove to be far and away a very different creature from the usual offerings. To put it bluntly this movie submits an apocryphal or possibly romanized reason as to why Japan truly lost the war.
It must be said that it helps to understand naval history to some extent and how the various warring powers viewed their navies. That is to say where they thought their strength should lay and what the future portended. It also helps to understand something of Japanese culture and the original Anime that inspired this live action version. However leaving all those aside the story/movie can and does carry itself. The acting is excellent with most characters being well fleshed out. Even the subtle humor provokes a hearty laugh because it is so well placed. The cinematography, the sets, the use of graphics are all well done and stand to enhance the story. I find so little to criticize about this movie, either out of cultural ignorance or lack of historical knowledge, that any errors or failings I do see I just don't care enough to be bothered about because the balance of the piece more than makes up for them.
MOST important is the ending, which I will not spoil here. I thought I had a bead on this movie right up to the last few minutes when it all came together. I'm not ashamed to admit it caught me wonderfully off guard. Also having never read the source material I had no fore knowledge, only having glanced at it in passing. The pounding weight of history, the REAL people portrayed, and the characters who may or may not have been real are SO convincing as to.suspend disbelief to such a degree as to leave one stunned and quietly admiring the efforts of all involved.
Again this movie isn't the typical action spectacular so often foisted on audiences these days. It's far more cerebral, subtle, and in the end refreshing for its originality and scope.
This movie is an EPIC of amazing proportions and personalities. I will admit at first I was confused and slightly annoyed at this product of the legendary Toho studios. It somehow didn't fit with my expectations of giant monsters and beautifully crafted models. Little did I know that the leviathan at the heart of this movie would prove to be far and away a very different creature from the usual offerings. To put it bluntly this movie submits an apocryphal or possibly romanized reason as to why Japan truly lost the war.
It must be said that it helps to understand naval history to some extent and how the various warring powers viewed their navies. That is to say where they thought their strength should lay and what the future portended. It also helps to understand something of Japanese culture and the original Anime that inspired this live action version. However leaving all those aside the story/movie can and does carry itself. The acting is excellent with most characters being well fleshed out. Even the subtle humor provokes a hearty laugh because it is so well placed. The cinematography, the sets, the use of graphics are all well done and stand to enhance the story. I find so little to criticize about this movie, either out of cultural ignorance or lack of historical knowledge, that any errors or failings I do see I just don't care enough to be bothered about because the balance of the piece more than makes up for them.
MOST important is the ending, which I will not spoil here. I thought I had a bead on this movie right up to the last few minutes when it all came together. I'm not ashamed to admit it caught me wonderfully off guard. Also having never read the source material I had no fore knowledge, only having glanced at it in passing. The pounding weight of history, the REAL people portrayed, and the characters who may or may not have been real are SO convincing as to.suspend disbelief to such a degree as to leave one stunned and quietly admiring the efforts of all involved.
Again this movie isn't the typical action spectacular so often foisted on audiences these days. It's far more cerebral, subtle, and in the end refreshing for its originality and scope.
- prest-15554
- Jan 23, 2023
- Permalink
This was an interesting story, whether true ore not. (Probably more not than true.) But the movie was ruined by overwrought and overly dramatic acting by almost all concerned. The older Admirals were the best among the actors, but the young lead (Masaki Suda) was a real mess.
On the other hand, the special effects were truly excellent although the sinking of the Yamato at the beginning of the film was devoid of context. It would have been better had it been at the end of the movie.
While I was glad there was English dubbing, the dubbing must have lost something and the voices didn't seem to fit all of the actors.
Overall I hesitate to give it a 2 stars, but that's all it's worth.
On the other hand, the special effects were truly excellent although the sinking of the Yamato at the beginning of the film was devoid of context. It would have been better had it been at the end of the movie.
While I was glad there was English dubbing, the dubbing must have lost something and the voices didn't seem to fit all of the actors.
Overall I hesitate to give it a 2 stars, but that's all it's worth.
- scottjtepper
- Aug 14, 2023
- Permalink
- lasttimelord-92755
- Aug 5, 2021
- Permalink
I love history and love to hear about the other points of view. The Yamato would not use an 18" shell for anti aircraft. The actors who made the English translation either didn't try and made the voices cartoonish, or the director forced them to not even try to be "in the scene " . The special effects were spectacular.but the voice overs just made this a waste of money.
- mdbizzarri
- Sep 26, 2021
- Permalink
- awebapprentice
- Sep 1, 2023
- Permalink
Watching this made me think of the movie Oppenheimer, for many reasons. The cinematography is excellent, and the sets and exteriors are done quite well. Having worked with Japanese counterparts on extraordinary technical projects, I can see the interplay behind the scenes and at "the final conference" looking and sounding exactly as-portrayed in the movie. I even upgraded my rating because the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
Now, why Oppenheimer? Think of the subject. This is Imperial Japan's super-weapon. It was built under tremendous secrecy. The yard and slip were camouflaged to prevent enemies, especially the USN, from observing the ship. The IJN (Imperial Japanese Navy) had developed and pushed a form of the Kantai Kessen (or Decisive Battle Doctrine), a naval strategy adopted prior to the Second World War, in which the Japanese navy would win a war by fighting and winning a single, decisive naval action. The designers (whomever they were) sought to build this ultimate war-winning weapon, and hoped to force the USN to cede control of the Pacific as far east as Midway. This was no less a National priority than the Manhattan Project, whereby all of Japan's security interests would take shape in this "beautiful" ship. The Japanese designers and gun Admirals believed that the Yamato-class BB would handily defeat several capital ships in a single engagement. Having three of these (yes, three were ordered) would be a powerful deterrent to interference by the USN.
Unfortunately, the gun Admirals under-estimated the power of the the aircraft carrier as an OTH (over-the-horizon) strike weapon. So badly did they do so, that on the day she died Yamaha fell under the guns, bombs, and torpedoes of nearly 400 American aircraft. In three separate attacks, the agony of her death left few surviving crewmen.
The actual cost of the IJN Yamato exceeded 250 Million Japanese Yen (more than 5 BILLION yen today, but revaluation of the Yen makes comparisons difficult). The movie states that the initial false estimate was a fraction of that, and it accurately forecasts the final cost. On the eve of the Allies' occupation of Japan, special-service officers of the Imperial Japanese Navy destroyed virtually all records, drawings, and photographs of or relating to the Yamato-class battleships, leaving only fragmentary records of the design characteristics and other technical matters. The destruction of these documents was so efficient that until 1948 the only known images of Yamato and Musashi were those taken by United States Navy aircraft involved in the attacks on the two battleships. Although some additional photographs and information, from documents that were not destroyed, have come to light over the years, the loss of the majority of written records for the class has made extensive research into the Yamato class somewhat difficult. Because of the lack of written records, information on the class largely came from interviews of Japanese officers following Japan's surrender.
And so, back to the movie. Is it factual? We might never know, and I doubt anyone alive can say with any degree of accuracy. Like Michael and Jeff Shaara of Civil War novel fame, the storytelling imagines a reality that is all too probable. At the time, the early 30s, the IJA (Imperial Japanese Army) was in heated competition with the IJN for funding. Japan's actions already had drawn the ire of the international community, and senior Japanese politicians were looking for a way to guarantee access to materials and labor in the region. Their GDP was about a tenth that of the US, and yet they wished to establish a hegemony over Asia, much like a modern China is doing. The IJN staff certainly felt the pressure. It is likely that Yamamoto, a proponent of the aircraft carrier, knew of corruption within military procurement circles, and of improprieties by senior Naval officers and Admirals. He himself had a mistress. One scene even throws those improprieties on the table, and the manic laughter tells the tale as well as it could be told. Having observed and participated in meetings between executives of Japanese companies and western companies, I don't see any melodrama.
Did the protagonist LTCDR save Japan? No spoiler there. But this movie portrays an interesting period in Japan as well as I have seen. That odd cross between medieval hierarchy, back-room deals, and more modern attitudes by subordinates is still evident in some parts of Japanese business. Step away from your sense of whatever, and enjoy a movie well-made. Stop looking at it with western eyes, and give homage to the notion that even in Japan, there were honorable men who questioned the ethics and conduct of their esteemed elders.
We might never know. Enjoy the movie.
Now, why Oppenheimer? Think of the subject. This is Imperial Japan's super-weapon. It was built under tremendous secrecy. The yard and slip were camouflaged to prevent enemies, especially the USN, from observing the ship. The IJN (Imperial Japanese Navy) had developed and pushed a form of the Kantai Kessen (or Decisive Battle Doctrine), a naval strategy adopted prior to the Second World War, in which the Japanese navy would win a war by fighting and winning a single, decisive naval action. The designers (whomever they were) sought to build this ultimate war-winning weapon, and hoped to force the USN to cede control of the Pacific as far east as Midway. This was no less a National priority than the Manhattan Project, whereby all of Japan's security interests would take shape in this "beautiful" ship. The Japanese designers and gun Admirals believed that the Yamato-class BB would handily defeat several capital ships in a single engagement. Having three of these (yes, three were ordered) would be a powerful deterrent to interference by the USN.
Unfortunately, the gun Admirals under-estimated the power of the the aircraft carrier as an OTH (over-the-horizon) strike weapon. So badly did they do so, that on the day she died Yamaha fell under the guns, bombs, and torpedoes of nearly 400 American aircraft. In three separate attacks, the agony of her death left few surviving crewmen.
The actual cost of the IJN Yamato exceeded 250 Million Japanese Yen (more than 5 BILLION yen today, but revaluation of the Yen makes comparisons difficult). The movie states that the initial false estimate was a fraction of that, and it accurately forecasts the final cost. On the eve of the Allies' occupation of Japan, special-service officers of the Imperial Japanese Navy destroyed virtually all records, drawings, and photographs of or relating to the Yamato-class battleships, leaving only fragmentary records of the design characteristics and other technical matters. The destruction of these documents was so efficient that until 1948 the only known images of Yamato and Musashi were those taken by United States Navy aircraft involved in the attacks on the two battleships. Although some additional photographs and information, from documents that were not destroyed, have come to light over the years, the loss of the majority of written records for the class has made extensive research into the Yamato class somewhat difficult. Because of the lack of written records, information on the class largely came from interviews of Japanese officers following Japan's surrender.
And so, back to the movie. Is it factual? We might never know, and I doubt anyone alive can say with any degree of accuracy. Like Michael and Jeff Shaara of Civil War novel fame, the storytelling imagines a reality that is all too probable. At the time, the early 30s, the IJA (Imperial Japanese Army) was in heated competition with the IJN for funding. Japan's actions already had drawn the ire of the international community, and senior Japanese politicians were looking for a way to guarantee access to materials and labor in the region. Their GDP was about a tenth that of the US, and yet they wished to establish a hegemony over Asia, much like a modern China is doing. The IJN staff certainly felt the pressure. It is likely that Yamamoto, a proponent of the aircraft carrier, knew of corruption within military procurement circles, and of improprieties by senior Naval officers and Admirals. He himself had a mistress. One scene even throws those improprieties on the table, and the manic laughter tells the tale as well as it could be told. Having observed and participated in meetings between executives of Japanese companies and western companies, I don't see any melodrama.
Did the protagonist LTCDR save Japan? No spoiler there. But this movie portrays an interesting period in Japan as well as I have seen. That odd cross between medieval hierarchy, back-room deals, and more modern attitudes by subordinates is still evident in some parts of Japanese business. Step away from your sense of whatever, and enjoy a movie well-made. Stop looking at it with western eyes, and give homage to the notion that even in Japan, there were honorable men who questioned the ethics and conduct of their esteemed elders.
We might never know. Enjoy the movie.
- inttruderquattroworld
- Sep 28, 2023
- Permalink
The opening to this movie is superlative. The battle scenes flow with fury and speed. The editing and cinematography is exceptional. So far, so great. However, the minute the dialog starts in the Paramount+ version, everything changes. It is the dubbed version only. And dubbed in the worst possible manner. The voices and sound design of the interior scenes are so bad, they harken back to the 50's dubbing. Emanating from a silent background, voices sound like they're coming from an isolated recording booth. Everything sounds phony and even hysterical, almost as if this is a mocumentary. Truly tragic that the Japanese original language is not available on Paramount+. It looks like a solid flick.
First things first.. It's sub titled. And over dubbed. If you don't like that, don't watch. I have nothing against dub titles. Keep in mind all these were added AFTER the film was shot. The film maker had nothing to do with that. This is not a "war" movie or an action "thriller". But it does tell a very engaging story about the mind set of the Japanese people and their military after WWI. It's a deep look into the back room and under belly of politics, military, and industry that is rampant even today.
I started watching it casually and somehow, along the way, it sucked me into it. I stayed up to the end (longer than I intended). I will watch more Japanese cinema. I've been watching Russian movies for a few years now, and find them in so many ways, better than their American counter parts.
I started watching it casually and somehow, along the way, it sucked me into it. I stayed up to the end (longer than I intended). I will watch more Japanese cinema. I've been watching Russian movies for a few years now, and find them in so many ways, better than their American counter parts.
This is a story of pre-war politics and the traditional thinking of building larger warships opposed to modern weaponry of the arrial attacks. This, in conjunction, with the attack on Pearl Harbor, was the thinking that the battleship is the supreme seagoing weapon. But this story is more of the back story of what goes into the building the massive Japanese battleships and the possible corrupt view to mislead the authorities regarding the cost in order to win their argument. This story, although somewhat unbelievable, involve a brilliant mathematical genius who can actually calculates the production cost of the proposed battleships. That significantly exceeds the advocates for allocating funds to build battleships verses allocating funds for more aircraft carriers. The acting is excellent and the plot although somewhat unbelievable makes for an entertaining story!
- itsmehowie-95131
- Oct 26, 2023
- Permalink