Sayonara takes its own sweet time to unfold; in so doing, it permits us to make intimate acquaintance with its characters, so as to better understand their multitextured motivations. The film is set in Japan during the Korean War. While on leave, pugnacious American soldier Red Buttons falls in love with Japanese maiden Miyoshi Umeki. Given the army's official policy against interracial marriage, Buttons is courting a court-martial. His best friend, major Marlon Brando, tries to talk Buttons out of "ruining" his life. ...
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Sayonara takes its own sweet time to unfold; in so doing, it permits us to make intimate acquaintance with its characters, so as to better understand their multitextured motivations. The film is set in Japan during the Korean War. While on leave, pugnacious American soldier Red Buttons falls in love with Japanese maiden Miyoshi Umeki. Given the army's official policy against interracial marriage, Buttons is courting a court-martial. His best friend, major Marlon Brando, tries to talk Buttons out of "ruining" his life. Brando himself is about to marry Patricia Owens, the daughter of general Kent Smith. Fighting back his own prejudices, Brando agrees to be Buttons' best man at the latter's wedding to Umeki. Later, Brando himself falls for Miiko Taka, a beautiful Kabuki dancer. This sparks an all-out onslaught of racial bigotry from the Army brass, and an official edict sending American soldiers back to the states without their Japanese wives. Buttons cannot bear being parted with Umeki; as a result, the two commit suicide. The tragedy compels the army to soften its attitudes towards miscegenation. Brando is reunited with Taka, who in a parallel situation has had to ward off the inbred prejudices of her people. Nominated for ten Academy Awards, Sayonara won five, including "Best Supporting Actor" (Red Buttons, whose moribund career was revitalized herein) and "Best Supporting Actress" (Miyoshi Umeki). And yes, that is Ricardo Montalban in Japanese makeup as a Kabuki actor. Hal Erickson, Rovi
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Add this copy of Sayonara to cart. $5.38, good condition, Sold by Goodwill Southern California rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Los Angeles, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2001.
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Seller's Description:
The DVD may show some wear from normal use. Case and artwork may show signs of wear but not cracked. Disks will be refinished if needed to imporve condition. Disk is in good condition with minor to no wear. All disks are refinished to improve condition as needed. Case and artwork are in good condition with no tears or cracks. Thank you for shopping Goodwill Southern California. Your purchase helps create jobs and transforms lives through the power of work.
Add this copy of Sayonara to cart. $5.53, good condition, Sold by Goodwill of Orange County rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Ana, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2001.
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Seller's Description:
Good. This item has very light surface scratches that do not affect the use of the disc/s. This is a USED item. Case and cover may or may not have wear or damage. All items unless otherwise noted will include disc, case, and artwork. Codes have been used. Other contents such as booklets may vary, please inquire for details. All items ship Monday-Friday within 2-3 business days.
This movie features powerful perfomances by Marlon Brando and Red Buttons, who won an Oscar for best supporting actor. Two stories about American GIs run parallel to each other and reveal the ignorance, bigotry and prejudice that affects the human condition. Set in post WW II Japan, it gives a relatively rarely seen look into Japanese culture that Americans are not familiar with. Miyoshi Umeki is exceptionally tender as Button's love interest and Brando, as is usually the case, excels in a strong yet quiet way. Excellent cimematography set in lush colors and top notch direction by the "director of the 50s" Joshua Logan is another bonus.
This really is a forgotton classic that will grab you as the story unfolds and leave a memorable experience etched in your mind. Most people reading this have no idea what this is about, but TRUST ME, go rent or buy this flick if you have any morsel of sensitivity. (On the other hand if your tastes are guns and mindless violence pass on this one).
