Honorable mention
Nishikawa's new film explores importance of Japanese-American pilots during WWII
By Joe Nguyen
nguyejos@mscd.edu
Lane Nishikawa's "Only the Brave" was a runaway hit during the opening days of the 28th Starz International Film Festival. The two initial showings sold out; a third was added and quickly sold out as well.
This film about World War II focuses on the heroic tale of the 100th/442nd, an all-Japanese-American regiment, who fought for their country while their families were detained in internment camps back in the states.
"This was a story that needed to be told," actor Yuri Okumoto said.
Photo by Leah Bluntschli bluntsch@mscd.edu
Director Lane Nishikawa and veterans of the 100th/442nd, a Japanese-American regimental combat team, who served in WWII, after a screening of Nishikawa's "Only the Brave" at the Starz FilmCenter on Nov. 13.
This emotional account of the regiment's rescue of the trapped 141st Regiment proved an emotionally stirring tribute. Nishikawa masterfully blended the soldiers' heartwarming flashbacks with scenes of war, which created a powerful emotional attachment to the characters. The film also showcased a number of notable Asian-American actors, including Jason Scott Lee ("Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story"), Mark Dacascos ("Brotherhood of the Wolf") and Pat Morita ("The Karate Kid").
Okumoto ("The Karate Kid, Part II") and producers Jay Koiwai and Eric Hayashi were in attendance for all three of the Q&A sessions. Nishikawa, who also plays the lead role, arrived from Hawaii for the third showing of the film. In Hawaii, he said he witnessed 2,000 people watching his film on a 40 foot-by-30-foot screen with a "rock 'n' roll sound system."
Seats for the final showing were already filling up 45 minutes prior to the start of the movie. Among those in attendance were World War II veterans, many of whom served with the 141st. After the movie, Nishikawa invited these men to the front of the theater, where they received a standing ovation.
After the session, the filmmakers made their way to the penthouse of Tamai Towers at Sakura Square (19th and Larimer) where the Japanese American Citizens League held a tribute to the film.
Nishikawa said he plans to do one final edit and hopes his movie will be out in theaters by Spring 2006.