Review by Ty McLemore
Director
Joshua
Logan
Lead Actors
Lead Actors
Marlon
Brando, Red Buttons, Ricardo Montalban and Patricia Owens
Producer
Producer
William
Geotz
Plot Synopsis
Plot Synopsis
This lavishly produced, Irving-Berlin-scored masterpiece is a mix of hope,
despair and fatalism that will ultimately leave the viewer mentally and emotionally
taxed.
“Ace”
Lloyd Gruver (Marlon Brando) is a decorated Korean War pilot on leave to Kobe,
Japan for a short term of rest and leisure. Once there, Joe Kelly, (Red
Buttons) an airman under his command, is set to marry a Japanese woman despite
military regulations that forbid it. Kelly asks Gruver as his best man – an
offer he initially declines, but reconsiders after sensing Kelly’s deep love
for the woman.
Meanwhile,
Gruver’s fiancé, Eileen, (Patricia Owens) has been secretly ferried to the
island. Their pairing is short lived as she learns that Gruver’s intentions for
marriage are born out of a sense of duty rather than love. As their
relationship begins to unravel, Gruver is drawn to a beautiful Japanese dancer
named Hana-Ogi. He enlists the help of Kelly’s wife Katsumi in arranging a
tryst for the two of them.
Problems
arise for Kelly when a vindictive and racist colonel arranges for his departure
back to the states – without his new bride. Out of options and nearly out of
time, the couple commit suicide rather than face the consequences of
separation.
As Gruver and Hana-Ogi’s relationship is also brought
to light, they must decide whether their own forbidden love is worth the risk
of losing everything they have achieved.
There is
a reason why many regard Brando as the greatest actor of all time. His
effortless glide between two characters - the simple, and at times, comical,
southern gentleman to the handsome, rugged and imposing Major Gruver, leaves no
doubt about his place in cinematic history.
From the
way his coat is tossed over his arm, the manner in which he points out
directions or the style in which he cradles his cap while addressing military
brass – it’s pure Brando at his coolest and smoothest.
Conversely,
casting Miiko Taka as his female counterpart was sheer movie moxie. The Marilyn
Monroe-esque bombshell with breathy speech, pouty lips and exotic beauty may
have been MGM’s best method of softening the sting of an interracial romance in
the 1950s.
Who Would Like it and Why
Anyone
who loves Brando or a well-written, well-acted, dramatic love story.
Who Might not Like It and Why
Those who may be offended by racist language or stereotypes. One example involves famed actor Ricardo
Montalban in the role of Nakamura, a Japanese dancer in an all-male theatrical troupe. Epic films as this, however, must be taken in
their proper context. In the 1950s it was a normal occurrence in casting
standard actors to play the roles of minorities.
Top Scenes
As Gruver and Hana-Ogi meet for the first time, he nervously babbles on with
small talk while she remains stoic and motionless. Afterwards, she speaks of her
stature as Japan’s premiere dancer and proclaims that despite the danger that
awaits them, she is MORE than willing to engage in an illicit romance. Furthermore,
she says that when it is over she will NEVER love another.
Her boldness leaves him speechless. She begins to pour a cup of Saki as the
screen fades to black. This is by far my favorite scene of my favorite Marlon Brando
movie.
Summary
There is a constant undertone here about one having an obligation to oneself
first. Gruver and Hana-Ogi are accomplished, high-ranking individuals who have
lived their entire lives pursuing what was EXPECTED of them, rather than what
they wanted. As the door begins to close
on their last chance at happiness, they must decide whether obligation trumps
passionate, ever-lasting love.
