31 Dec None But the Brave
None But the Brave, WWII movie starring Frank Sinatra and Clint Walker.
(1965) Frank Sinatra made his directorial debut in this war film about American and Japanese soldiers stranded on a remote Pacific island.
Probably once a month I receive an email from someone describing the plot of a World War II movie, asking if I recognize it. Donna wrote that she had watched “a movie with my father years ago. It was about American and Japanese Troops both stranded on an island during the war and how they got along. I would like to see it again. Do you happen to know the name?”
Although I hadn’t yet seen None But the Brave I was able to give Donna the title and then messaged her when I saw that it would soon be playing on Turner Classic Movies.
Coming 20 years after World War II was over, None But the Brave (like many filmed in the later years) was more about peace than about fighting. It was co-produced by Japanese and American studios.
The first half of the movie was a little slow for me. Although the Japanese commander (played by Tatsuya Mihashi) narrated the story line in English, the other Japanese actors spoke (well, of course) Japanese. I expected subtitles, but there were none. (There may be in some versions.) Even without translation, the meanings were obvious. Each side had a professional commander as well as a quick-tempered second in command.
Just stick with it. My favorite scene was Frank’s treatment of an injured Japanese soldier. The last scene I wouldn’t call my favorite, but it was definitely he most impactful.
I’m glad we were able to watch it, Donna. Frankie did okay.
None But the Brave at amazon.com
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