This film covers the events of the Normanton incident. The British steamship sank off the coast of Wakayama. While the 25 Japanese passengers and Asiatic all died, all of the European crew, including the ship's captain, John William Drake survived. Because of the treaties with Japan at this time -- at least according to this movie -- the trial was conducted by the British consulate, which found Drake and his crew were exonerated. The Japanese government tried to investigate, but found their efforts blocked. They came to no conclusion. There was a public outcry at the unequal treaties that led to this result.
This movie has Shin Saburi as a man whose brother was among those who died in the wreck. He defends another brother, Toichi Doki, who was trying to defend witnesses against Bell from those who were trying to kidnap -- and presumably kill -- those witnesses; he killed people in his efforts, and finds himself condemned for murder by the same consular court. An epilogue shows Japanese troops racing through the jungle, trampling a British flag on the ground, and informing the audience that this is simply payment for fifty years of humiliation of Japan.
1943 was the year when the average Japanese subject might be expected to understand that victory in war was not guaranteed. The government was pushing propaganda, and the conclusion that anything the Japanese chose to do to their enemies was only delayed justice, is obvious and terrifying.
The production of this movie is hampered by all British roles being taken by Japanese players. In the first half, there is an effort to cover this by choosing unrevealing poses and shooting angles. By the big courtroom scene at the end, this is abandoned.
