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IMDb 7.0 NR+ HD

Sayonara

1957 2 h 27 min Melodrama · Drama

A by-the-book officer confronts military racism and his own heart in occupied Japan, where love defies policy and centuries-old custom.

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United States 5 services Free 3 services With a subscription 2 services
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About the film

I am not allowed to love. But I will love you if that is your desire...

What it’s about

Major Lloyd Gruver is reassigned to a Japanese air base during the Korean War, where he sees American prejudice against the Japanese. The military forbids marriages between servicemen and Japanese women, but his friend Joe Kelly falls in love with Katsumi and plans to wed. Gruver, ordinarily a by-the-book officer, must take a position. He risks his career by agreeing to serve as best man at the wedding ceremony.

What hooks you

Marlon Brando plays Major Gruver, with Miyoshi Umeki making her film debut as Katsumi. The picture won four Oscars, including Best Supporting Actress for Umeki, and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. James A. Michener adapted his own novel for the screen, and the production used a slogan that promised a daring love affair violating every rule and custom.

Who it’s for

It will appeal to those who appreciate melodramas about social barriers and forbidden love, as well as stories set in postwar Japan that examine racial prejudice and military life.

Technical details
Country
United States
Year
1957
Genres
Melodrama, Drama
Running time
2h 27min
Age rating
NR+
MPAA
NR
World premiere
Dec 5, 1957

Ratings

MOVIE․ONE · 710 votes
7.0 /10
IMDb
7.08,800
Kinopoisk
7.32,166
Your rating —
— /10
1 · Didn't land 10 · Masterpiece

Creative team

All 9
Director Joshua Logan
Starring
  1. 01 Marlon Brando Major Lloyd Gruver
  2. 02 Patricia Owens Eileen Webster
  3. 03 James Garner Captain Mike Bailey
  4. 04 Martha Scott Mrs. Webster
  5. 05 Miiko Taka Hana-Ogi · Hana-ogi
  6. 06 Miyoshi Umeki Katsumi
  7. 07 Red Buttons Joe Kelly
  8. 08 Kent Smith General Mark Webster · Gen. Webster

Trivia

  1. Marlon Brando was not the first choice for the lead role. Rock Hudson and William Holden also vied for it, but Holden opted to star in the film "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957).
  2. Contrary to the wishes of the director and producers, Brando insisted that his character speak with a Southern accent in the film.
  3. For Japanese actress Miyoshi Umeki, the role in this film was her debut.

Awards and nominations

5 wins 11 nominations

All
  1. 4 wins Academy Awards 1958 · 6 nominations
  2. 1 win Golden Globe Awards 1958 · 4 nominations
Top wins
  1. Best Supporting Actress Miyoshi Umeki Academy Awards · 1958
  2. Best Production Design Academy Awards · 1958
  3. Best Sound Academy Awards · 1958
  4. Best Supporting Actor Red Buttons Academy Awards · 1958
  5. Best Supporting Actor Red Buttons Golden Globe Awards · 1958

Also nominated BAFTA Awards1

Reviews

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