Only the Brave

Only the Brave, directed by Lane Nishikawa and released in 2006, is a stirring historical drama that dives deep into the experiences of Japanese American soldiers during World War II. The film stars Nishikawa himself, alongside Tamlyn Tomita, Greg Watanabe, Mark Dacascos, and few others, who bring the trials and tribulations of these unsung heroes to life with conviction and emotional depth.

The movie is set during the forefront of World War II, and it offers a compelling look at the Japanese American members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. This unit is historically renowned for being the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in the history of American warfare, despite the members' families being interred back home in America. The film vividly portrays their journey, gallant acts, and the challenges they face – both on the battlefield and from their own country – as they fight their way through the enemy lines.

Only the Brave begins by introducing its main characters, offering glimpses of their lives and dreams before the war, providing the necessary backstory to develop emotional connections. The principal characters, including Corporal Jimmy Takata (Lane Nishikawa), Private First Class Jerry Kubota (Greg Watanabe), and Sergeant Yukio Morita (Mark Dacascos), reveal different aspects of the Nisei soldier's experience, providing diverse perspectives on their collective narrative.

The narrative pushes forward with the soldiers' drafting into the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. As Japanese Americans, they carry the burden of going to war for a country that has stripped their families of their rights and homes, sending them off to internment camps. The soldiers grapple with these conflicting feelings, tackling questions about loyalty, identity, and duty.

The movie's episodic structure gives viewers an insight into the various battles fought by the 442nd, highlighting notorious ones like the rescue of the lost 'Texas Battalion' in the dense forests of France. The film underscores the bravery and resilience of these soldiers who risked their lives and made sacrifices amidst hostility, fear, and rampant racism.

These battles take a toll on the group, both physically and mentally, causing tensions and fraying bonds. Nishikawa, playing Corporal Jimmy Takata, skillfully portrays a man struggling to lead his mixed unit of soldiers through the horrors of war while grappling with his inner turmoil. The talented Tamlyn Tomita, showing up in flashbacks as Mary Takata, the wife of Corporal Takata, provides a sombre and emotional link to the past, connecting the soldiers to their lives before the war.

Greg Watanabe as Private First Class Jerry Kubota shines in an endearing performance, offering comic relief in otherwise grim scenarios while equally delivering during the grim, emotionally heavy scenes. Kubota's transformation from a comic, irreverent private to a soldier weighed down by the harsh realities of war provides an engaging arc for viewers.

One of the many highlights of Only the Brave is its authentic representation of Nisei soldiers and their experiences. The film refuses to shy away from showcasing the ugly prejudice that these soldiers faced and the enormous pressure to prove their allegiance to America. The characters grapple with complex emotions stemming from racial injustice at home and the physical dangers of war abroad. These nuanced portrayals provide viewers with food for thought about American history, racism, loyalty, and bravery.

The film also commendably displays the camaraderie between the soldiers, their shared experiences contributing to an intense bond that helps them face the adversities they encounter. These elements, woven together, create a poignant war drama that strikes a balance between historical realism and compassionate storytelling.

In conclusion, Only the Brave is a stirring, sincere tribute to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of World War II. It dives deeply into the experiences of these brave Japanese American soldiers, exploring their struggles on the battlefield and their internal conflicts brought on by the injustice inflicted on their families back home. With a well-balanced cast led by Lane Nishikawa, the movie serves as a reminder of the integrity and bravery that these soldiers exemplified, and their indelible contribution to American history.