Amazon.com: Kon Ichikawa's Buddhist tale of peace, The Burmese Harp, is universally relevant in various eras and cultures, although it comments specifically on the destruction of Burma during World War II. Based on the novel by Michio Takeyama, The Burmese Harp stars a Japanese platoon stationed in Burma whose choir skills are inspired by their star musician, Private Mizushima (Rentaro Mikuni), who strums his harp to cheer the homesick soldiers. As the troop surrenders to the British and is interred in Mudon prison camp, Mizushima escapes to be faced with not only his imminent death, but also the deaths of thousands of other soldiers and civilians. Relinquishing his life as a military man, Mizushima retreats into a life of Buddhist prayer, dedicating himself to healing a wounded country. Filmed in black and white, strong visual contrasts heighten the divide between peace, war, life, and death in this highly symbolic film. Scenes in which the Japanese soldiers urge opposing forces to sing with them portray military men regardless of alliance as emotionally sensitive. Showing the humanistic aspects of war, such as the male bonding that occurs between soldiers, doesn't justify war as much as deepens its tragedy. This release includes interviews with the director and with Mikuni, further contextualizing its place in Japanese cinema. The Burmese Harp, with its lessons in compassion and selflessness, is so transformative that viewing it feels somewhat akin to a religious experience. --Trinie Dalton
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - "Whatever You Do is Useless....Burma is Buddha's Country"
Quite simply, this is one of the most emotionally beautiful movies I have ever seen. I can't entirely explain why I find it so touching. Amid the most horrific of experiences, a kind, simple young man ... Read More
Rating: - Poignant neo-propaganda
The Burmese Harp is beautifully produced and acted. That earns any film, even Leni Reifenstahl's work for the NAZIs some admiration. This is in the same genre, that of a nation that committed unspeakable ... Read More
Rating: - A "must see" movie, thoughtful and affecting, but with a BIG blind spot
It is August 1945. Bands of Japanese troops are retreating before the advance of the British Fourteenth Army. One company of soldiers led by Captain Inouye (Rentaro Mikuni), resting in a Burmese village, ... Read More
Rating: - Deeply moving!
There are many good reviews here so I won't go into the plot. I just want to add my vote of 5 stars (wish I could give it more)to this beautiful film. This is a movie that isn't just well made, but the sentiments ... Read More
Rating: - A dishonest portrayal of war's brutality
Despite its Buddhist trappings, The Burmese Harp is not a film about Buddhism or religion, but a film about responsibility and atonement to the _Japanese_ war dead. Director Kon Ichikawa may have wanted to make a ... Read More
- "Whatever You Do is Useless....Burma is Buddha's Country"
- Poignant neo-propaganda
- A dishonest portrayal of war's brutality