firstly and i can not understand the tired and cynical comment by coventry at the top of this page or the measly rating of 7. negative . an average war film indeed one have to wonder whether he or she actually watch it . you only have to read the comment by viewer on this page to see the truth this be a brilliant and important film . it put the typical hollywood ww2 blockbuster completely in the shade and show them up for what they be just entertainment for the unthinking mass and big profit for the film mogul . this film show how real and ordinary men behave in extraordinary circumstance and fortunately be devoid of the wayne and mitchum and mcqueens and hank etc . and their like . i have to compliment the japanese actor for have the courage to portray their fellow countryman commit such awful act of violence . the film be very well acted and very thought provoking . the only criticism i can make be that ( naturally ) all the pow actor look too well fed and muscular . the reality be that they be mainly skin and bone and disease ridden ( show briefly in black and white photo ) . i have a problem knowing which approach i would have take under the same circumstance the quiet forgiveness of your enemy or the burning desire to take revenge on them for perpetrate such hideous war crime . this film should be make compulsory viewing for every man and woman over 18 year of age . perhaps then people would get some idea of what go to war can lead to .