Unfinished Business

"Unfinished Business" is a poignant and powerful 1985 documentary film directed by Steven Okazaki. It explores the dark shadows of America's history during World War II, focusing on the unimaginable hardship faced by Japanese-Americans who were unjustly interned during this period. "Unfinished Business" doesn't just comment on the past; it finds its relevance in the present and challenges viewers to comprehend the lasting scars left by such injustices.

The film weaves together the stories of three Japanese-Americans: Minori Yasui, Fred Korematsu, and Gordon Hirabayashi, all of whom protested against the government’s decision of internment. Notably, these individuals were tried and convicted in court for their steadfast dissent against this violation of civil liberties. "Unfinished Business" shares their narratives, their struggles, their bravery, and their resilience in a stark commentary on the sacrifice of personal freedoms in the name of national security.

OKazaki’s brilliant storytelling introduces viewers to Fred Korematsu, one of the staunch objectors of the Japanese-American internment. Korematsu became known for his landmark United States Supreme Court case, challenging the constitutionality of the internment. Korematsu, an ordinary man who was compelled to extraordinary measures, emerges as a figure of moral strength and courage throughout this narrative.

Similarly, Gordon Hirabayashi's story sheds light on the defiance of government orders that he deemed were racially discriminatory. Hirabayashi, a student at the University of Washington during the internment, turned himself into the FBI instead of obeying the curfew and internment orders, making his one of the most influential civil rights cases from the WWII era.

Minori Yasui's story yet another lens on the experiences of Japanese-Americans during this time, conveying the profound personal and communal costs of their internment. As a young lawyer, Yasui deliberately violated the imposed curfew to bring legal attention to the issue. Despite being convicted and disbarred, his spirit was not broken, and his act laid the groundwork for a much-needed conversation about the civil liberties of American citizens during times of war.

Interspersing commentaries from figures as diverse as actors, academics, including Amy Hill, friends and relatives of the main characters, the documentary paints an intricate picture of the wartime atmosphere, the hysteria and paranoia that led to widespread acceptance of these abhorrent actions, and the lingering effects of such a blight on America's history.

Yet, the film is not merely a retelling of history. Throughout its exploration of past events, "Unfinished Business" challenges its viewers to question their own perceptions - what does it mean to be an American, and to what extent are we willing to compromise personal liberties in the name of national security?

What sets "Unfinished Business" apart is its knack for uniting the personal with the political. The private struggles of Yasui, Korematsu, and Hirabayashi are reflected and magnified in the broader scope of systemic racism. As viewers walk with them through their trials and tribulations, they're invited to appreciate the wider implications of their extraordinary acts of resilience.

In the end, "Unfinished Business" is as much a pertinent exploration of America's past as it is an eye-opener for the present and future generations. It is a masterfully crafted piece of documentary filmmaking that serves as a powerful reminder of the potential dangers of racial profiling and the violation of civil liberties even in modern democratic societies. Steven Okazaki’s film is a testament to the enduring spirit of resistance and courage in the face of adversity, making it remain timely and impactful even after decades of its release.