Frank Gutierrez writes:

The second film is also set in the Orient:  Sayonara, starring Marlon Brando as an Air Force fighter pilot during the Korean War who is reassigned to Japan by an area commander in hopes that Brando will marry his daughter (Patricia Owens).

Alas, Brando instead falls in love with famous Japanese geisha Miiko Taka, and their relationship is frowned upon both by the U.S. military and Japanese social customs. An important subplot involves Red Buttons as an Air Force sergeant who disobeys orders to marry a Japanese girl, Miyoshi Umeki.  Because of prejudice present at the time, the marriage ends in tragedy.

Both Buttons and Umeki received Academy Awards for their roles.  Also featured are a young James Garner as a Marine stationed in Japan and Ricardo Montalban as a Kabuki entertainer.

I must admit that I lean toward this film because I was also stationed in Japan during the Korean War and the scenes of Japan during this period bring back memories of the experience.

Sayonara (1957) was an important and hugely popular film of the era, garnering seven Oscar nods (including one for Best Picture) and winning three times.  It follows The Bridges at Toko-Ri (1955) and Men of the Fighting Lady (1954) as the third Korean War film adapted from the writings of James Michener, although the conclusion of Sayonara the film is much more hopeful and satisfying than that of Michener’s source novel.

Respect for cultural difference is the key to the film’s central theme of tolerance, as Brando’s character gradually evolves from a somewhat bigoted, thoroughly self-centered Southern hick to a sensitive man capable of revealing his innermost feelings.  His growing sensitivity follows that of Buttons’ and Garner’s roles, who are the real groundbreakers.  Of course, they are punished for their stands, while Brando’s character is able to navigate a path to personal happiness.

This was an important film for Brando, who truly loved the Orient.  It’s a major Hollywood statement regarding the terrible price of prejudice and intolerance, made at a time when taking such a public stand was still controversial.  Of all the American films dealing with Japan, I feel that this one offers the clearest vision of the country after W W II.  My rating:  ✰ ✰ ✰.  (7:3).