Eternal Zero - Flight of no Return

This movie was a big hit in Japan which is good because it is essentialy an anti war film. The military detail is outstanding, right down to camoflage changes to aircraft and ships throughout the war. The Impirial Japanese Navy did start the war th the best pilots and best plane (Mistubishi Zero) as quoted in the movie. A lot of Japanese pilots were already veterens of the war in Manchuria (China). In the long run as Admiral Yamamoto feared the US became unbeatable once their industrial and economic power ramped up. Without a doubt the fact the allies cracked the Japanese naval code contributed to the allied victory (at Midway especialy). The nuclear bombs and then the Soviet Union declaring war on Japan forced the Japanese surrender saving countless lives no doubt. As a side note, Japan and the Russians are technicaly still at war and have land claims against each other.

Eien no Zero was a big thing in Japan, basically everywhere you went you saw a trailer or a commercial for it, people at movie theatres cried during the movie. From a gaijins point of view, it was a interesting war movie, that showed so-called Japanese spirit, that went way overboard during the war.

Before the movie I read the book so I knew what to expect and the movie was way better than I could have expected. Everything felt authentic, moments in modern days didin't feel too long or jarring. People next to me were crying during the movie and I can see why. People who are nowadays called "terrorists" or "cowardly suicide bombers" were people fighting for their country, for their ancestors and their future. most of them knew that they would die during the battles, but they had to continue or they would be traitors.

I really recommend this movie, If you are interested in Asian drama or war movies, this movie is for you.

A brother and sister initiate a personal project to find out more about their grandfather, a World War II kamikaze pilot. When they discover their grandfather was universally regarded as a coward, their enthusiasm begins to wane. But the brother persists, discovering there is more to the story.

This is a subtle film, foregrounding the personal consequences of war for rounded, authentic characters. In the process, the film astutely stays away from either justifying or apologising for Japan's war actions. Jun'ichi Okada is a revelation as the pilot instructor who attempts to save his young charges from the excesses of his superiors, often at great personal sacrifice. He makes a promise to his wife, but then seems to compromise it in order to be loyal to his men. The resolution of this conflict makes for a powerful and well-plotted storyline.

The flashbacks to the war are engaging and dramatic, but the film's weak point is the bland Haruma Miura guiding us through the story. In a scene conspicuous for its shallow clunkiness, he berates his friends for equating tokkutai with modern-day suicide bombers. No real camaraderie seems to exist between the friends, and the whole scene seems designed merely to relay the point that modern-day fanaticism and historical Japanese 'heroism' cannot be equated. It is a fop to present-day rightist revisionism that is unworthy of the rest of the film.

Eien no Zero shows ordinary people living extraordinary lives in extraordinary circumstances. A thoughtful, emotional film that, casting flaws aside, proves cathartic and thought-provoking in equal measure.

I love Eternal Zero. I watched it twice, and I still think this movie is great.

As I'm watching it, I thought about what really makes this movie interesting for me. Is it the wonderful drama, the exciting dogfights, or the personal point of view from those war pilots? The answer: all of it. I respect war veterans, because having gone into war at a fairly young age was one of the hardest duty, not to mention how risky and full of torture it was. A kind of duty no one should undertake, because ego and greed will only lead to human destruction.

Eternal Zero gives a different perspective of war. How the main character is in all conscience not willing to die for his country. An unexpected confession, seeing how common it was for survivors to have their brain washed, so they can be patriotic in all sense, fight until the very last breath to conquer the enemy, not to holding on for dear life so they can reunite with their beloved family at home. It was pretty touching to see.

I highly recommend it, because truthfully, Eternal Zero is about human, and a view about the importance of life.

The Eternal Zero, just had it all, it is masterfully executed. The visual effects during the combat scenes are pretty spectacular. It's deeply touching story and amazing acting.

It's about time we see things from the Japanese perspective when it comes to the WW2. I'm tired of all the americanfied WW2 movies. Nothing beat the Japanese film making when it comes to dramas they make, they are simply the best at it. This movie is no exceptions and will leave you the viewer with heavy emotions and a lasting impression. It is simply Japanese film making at it's best.

I can highly recommend this movie, to anyone that is interested in Japanese drama. Specific to war movies buffs that want to see how it was on the other side.