It's always interesting to see 'the other side' of war films so coming across Matsubayashi's Attack Squadron! Was a treat. Starring Mifune Toshiro as the Japanese Naval air commander given the task of creating a functional fighter squadron from the remnants of their pilot force as World War II draws to a close and who is, once again, taking orders from fellow seven samurai, Shimura Takashi (in a very brief role as the admiral). A good portion of the early action revolves around the difficulties the pilots go through to make their way back to the home islands from theaters of war they no longer control which does emphasize the dire straights the empire found itself in and the desperation of their cause at that point in time.
Mifune is effective as the commander who is adamant that the suicide kamikaze squadrons being organized are a waste of resources, although he isn't around much in the film with the bulk of the story revolving around his junior flight leaders. What's a bit surprising is the candor the film expresses at the unrelenting losses being experienced by the pounding they are taking from Allied forces, with the addition of a neat segment on the sinking of the Yamato in a cool side story. Unfortunately the film is ultimately undone by cheap special effects and model work that frankly make the SFX of a second tier Son of Godzilla movie seem like Avatar. Still, if you can maintain a herculean suspension of disbelief it's a pretty good ride to the end and the unique perspective on the war that gives you something to think about.
