The War Between Us

The War Between Us is a historically inspired drama film released in 1995. Set amidst the tension of World War II, the film sensitively portrays the plight of Japanese-Canadians who were interned throughout the war years.

Directed by Anne Wheeler, the movie features an impressive performance by the talented cast that includes Shannon Lawson, Mieko Ouchi, and Robert Wisden. Through a powerhouse act by the lead actors and a skillfully woven script, the film addresses significant historical and social issues, while also bringing to focus the subtleties of human interaction in times of conflict.

The storyline unfolds with the breakout of World War II. In the wake of Pearl Harbor's attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy, war hysteria sweeps over Canada's west coast. The government's paranoia results in a countrywide decision to forcefully intern all persons of Japanese descent. The War Between Us unfolds within this context, showcasing the discrimination Japanese-Canadians faced, pitting racial identity against citizenry.

The film spotlights Alexandra McKinnon, played convincingly by Shannon Lawson, an energetic redhead who is a newspaper editor in a small town in British Columbia. She's a calming and rational presence amidst the war hysteria gripping her community. She helps her friends and navigates through the upheaval while fostering a deepening relationship with her childhood friend, Mark Tanaka, played by Mieko Ouchi.

Tanaka, the son of a successful businessman, grapples with his ambiguous status as a Canadian with Japanese roots. His characterization is rooted in the internalized unease and conflict within the Japanese Canadian population against their loyalty to Canada and their ethnic heritage. The martial law disrupts his once-peaceful life, and his resilient struggle forms a significant narrative strand within the film.

Shannon's character's storyline ties in with the narrative of Peter Whittaker, played with intensity by Robert Wisden, the local RCMP officer tasked with overseeing the town's internment operations. Although Whittaker's loyalties initially lie with his duty, his growing discomfort with the inhumane treatment of Japanese Canadians slowly bring him closer to Alexandra and Mark.

The War Between Us shines in its depiction of the complex relationships between its characters. As the war intensifies, each character faces challenging decisions and develops and changes in unexpected yet believable ways.

The film's nuanced approach and meticulous attention to historical detail set it apart. The brutal realities interned Japanese-Canadians faced are honestly depicted, capturing both the gross injustices inflicted onto them and the pockets of kindness and humanity that existed even amidst severe discrimination.

Much of the movie revolves around exploring the balance between duty and morality. Characters grapple with their understandings of nationality, loyalty, and friendship. As the plight of the Japanese Canadians unfolds, several characters confront their ingrained prejudices and political beliefs. The evolving relationships of the characters with each other, against the societal backdrop, provide a study in contrasts and contradictions.

Shannon Lawson, Mieko Ouchi, and Robert Wisden impressively bring life and depth to their characters, offering engaging performances that invite deep empathy from the audience. Moreover, the film's dialogue is well-crafted to reflect the vernacular of the times, while conveying the complicated emotional landscapes navigated by the characters.

The film carries a strong artistic sensibility with stunning cinematography capturing the picturesque landscapes of British Columbia. Coupled with the compelling musical score, the film's visual and auditory elements reinforce its narrative force, depicting the raw emotional fabric of an tumultuous era.

The War Between Us is more than a war film. It's an explorative narrative about people caught up in the horror of war and racial prejudice, about friendships, loyalty, and doing what's right in the face of overwhelming odds. An ode to humanity's indomitable spirit, the film serves as an important reminder of an overlooked chapter in Canadian history, making it a highly recommended watch for those interested in exploring the complexities of social and historical narratives.