Come See the Paradise

Come See the Paradise is an American drama film released in 1990, directed by Alan Parker who is renowned for his expert storytelling and fusion of historical events with personal drama. The movie is equipped with an exceptional star cast which includes Dennis Quaid, Tamlyn Tomita, and Sab Shimono.

Set against the backdrop of World War II, Come See the Paradise traces the historic events through the lives of an American man, Jack McGurn, portrayed by Dennis Quaid, and a Japanese-American woman, Lily Kawamura, played by Tamlyn Tomita. The story revolves around their unique relationship and sheds light on their struggle-filled journey towards love amidst the chaos of wartime.

Dennis Quaid's performance as Jack McGurn, a fiery union organizer, sinuously reflects the character's nuanced persona. Jack finds himself in Los Angeles to escape from his troubled past, only to fall in love with Lily Kawamura. Tamlyn Tomita effortlessly portrays Lily with a charming grace, a woman who has herself run away from her culturally conservative family to find her own path in life. Their love story is filled with a mixture of hidden and forbidden love, family biases, cultural norms, conflict, race, and societal prejudices.

At first glance, Come See the Paradise might be sensed as a romantic drama, but it effectively transcends to become a societal critique that tackles the themes of wartime injustice, emotional hardship, and racism. The film highlights the racial persecution faced by Japanese-Americans during the Second World War and portrays an uncensored view on the unsettling treatment they suffered in Internment camps. This historical strife is effectively portrayed through the dramatic experiences that Lily and her family undergo.

As the storyline unfolds, it brings to life the escalating tension following the attack on Pearl Harbor and its effect on Japanese-American families. This leaves Lily and Jack's relationship at a crossroads. The couple struggles, strives, hopes, and attempts to survive amidst this societal maelstrom. Their journey is an unforgettable testament to love’s endurance amidst adversity.

In the movie, the character of Lily's father, played by Sab Shimono, stands as a portrayal of the quiet strength and dignity that many Japanese immigrants maintained in the face of grave injustices. His performance captures the hardship and resilience of a generation trapped between their adopted homeland and their past.

As with all of Alan Parker's films, Come See the Paradise possesses a raw emotional power that distinguishes it from many other period dramas. Both Quaid and Tomita deliver performances that convey genuine suffering, desperation, and love. Their portrayals resonate with authenticity and serve as the film's emotional pillars, further enhanced by the vivid direction and emotive storytelling.

The screenplay, while focusing on the personal lives of the central characters, successfully takes a deep dive into the unjust aspects of American history and paints a tragic picture of how minority communities were treated during times of national crisis. This narrative thread is woven through the fabric especially in the scenes depicting the lives of Lily and her family when they are forced into isolated camps.

Visually, the film is absorbing with cinematography capturing a bygone era and reflecting the sombre, gloomy atmospherics of the time. From production design to costumes, great care has been taken to recreate the early 1940s, providing the film with a heightened sense of historical authenticity.

The soundtrack, with compositions by the acclaimed music maestro Trevor Jones, plays a crucial role in the movie, increasing the emotional depth of various scenes. It ranges from romantic melodies that accentuate the chemistry between Quaid and Tomita to mournful tones conveying the psychological torment experienced by the characters.

In conclusion, Come See the Paradise is not just a movie, but a bold and compelling exploration of history. It grabs your attention with a heartfelt romance, then bravely ventures into a tragic and tumultuous time for many American citizens. The seamless blending of these story elements makes this film a must-watch for history-buffs and fans of poignant drama alike. The movie is a testament to the director and a cast who brought the script to life by making the audience experience the trials of love in a turbulent era. Undeniably, it's a deep, emotional, insightful, and yet, a beautiful canvas of history and romance.