The Burmese Harp [Masters of Cinema] [Blu-ray]

There are times in my conceitedness that I like to think I know a lot about films, and then something comes along to remind me that I still have a great deal to learn, and the process of acquiring knowledge is only ended on the termination of my own existence. "The Burmese Harp" is such a film that made me sit bolt upright, and gave me the strong feeling that I may actually be a better person for having watched it. Now that is what film making is really all about. I have never seen a single film of Kon Ichikawa's, which is something I must now rectify, unless of course something else comes along to distract me. I watched the blu-ray version in the Masters of Cinema series, and can truly say that this film has earned its place in that powerful series.

The story is set in Burma at the end of the Second World War, and unusually covers the psychological effects of the war from a Japanese perspective. A Japanese soldier surrenders to the British with his unit on learning of the Japanese surrender. He is venerated within the unit for his beautiful playing of the Burmese harp. But there are other Japanese units that refuse to surrender and the soldier is asked to undertake one last mission, to persuade one such unit to surrender rather than die needlessly. In doing so he is badly wounded and is nursed back to health by a Buddhist monk. On recovering he journeys on foot across Burma to rejoin his old unit and return to Japan. But during the course of the journey he comes across the many unburied Japanese war dead, and this has a devastating impact on him.

The film contains so many powerful images that it is difficult to pick out a particular one, the location filming in Burma being a great help. One that I particularly remember is the soldier toiling to bury the dead on the side of a muddy river bank, watched by a group of local Burmese, who eventually stirred by his example join in to help. Such a deeply moving scene! All of the scenes involving the harp playing carry a huge impact. The use of music in the film is truly astounding. The mix of western and Japanese music being particularly effective. There is one scene where the soldiers of opposing forces both sing the same song in their own languages that is very touching. The harp perhaps stands as one of the greater monuments to mans creative beauty, being esteemed in classical times and long associated with civilisation. It is an apt device to set against the horrors of war. For anyone who struggles to understand the emotions that the soldier battles with, all is beautifully revealed in the films wonderful closing scenes.

The Nikkatsu studio originally released the film in two parts totalling 143 minutes. That was apparently trimmed down to 117 minutes for general release, against the wishes of Ichikawa. It is a great pity we do not have a directors cut version to illustrate the creators full vision. But what we have is more than enough to suffice. To watch this film now makes it seem a very strange thing indeed that we were at war with a people who could create a film such as this. How is it that such perverse situations exsisted and still exist to this day. It is unutterably sad. The quality of this blu-ray was fine, although it should be borne in mind that this black and white film was made back in 1956. This is an immensely powerful anti war movie that provides hugely rewarding viewing. A film that should be compulsory viewing to all, especially the warmongers of this world.

I have nothing against Hollywood, it has contributed great science fiction, action adventure and comedy movies, but war-themed movies with a philosophical or morally didactic twist, it cannot do.

Watch pretty much any of those before you watch this and you'll see the difference: In one of the first scenes, when the Japanese and British troop meet, in more than one ways, and sing together an anthem. In a Hollywood movie, you would get some slow-motion, random shots of clenched jaw-lines (although they are supposedly singing) then flashbacks to the girlfriend getting worried a few thousand miles away, etc, i am sure you seen it before and rolled your eyes at how cheap it looks. No sensationalism here. Instead you get the anthem with shots of clouds and mountains. And from there on... it gets bleaker.

A great, great movie and a great release from Eureka with a booklet that looks like something out of a collector's edition!

The Burmese Harp (Biruma no Tategoto), by Japanese director Kon Ichikawa, was nominated for the 1957 Academy Award (Oscars) in the newly-created 'Best Foreign Language Film' category. This fact alone should be a recommendation.

Tony Rayns' commentary, which is available as an extra in this set, is an invaluable introduction - and I advise watching it before the film itself. He explains, for example, why Ichikawa chose not to film in colour, choosing the more adaptable and lighter black and white camera system.

Like the 2006 film 'Letters from Iwo Jima' film, co-produced by Clint Eastwood, it's subject is the journey of the human spirit during physical conflict and war - specifically by Japanese soldiers in the Second World War Unlike this film, the Burmese Harp focuses less on battle and honour and more on compassion and compromise.

Like other 'Eureka - Masters of Cinema' titles, this is excellently presented with an informative booklet and DVD extras.