This isn't actually as bad as it looks. It is really a Japanese tragedy, the main protagonist being a young idealist soldier being trained to be an infallible kamikadze suicide pilot, and just as he is to be awarded his final approval and to be sent out on his first and final mission, the war ends. He is picked up by interests who don't want the conflict to be over, and so he is involved in the Korean war on the communist side. The main asset of the film is that it is made on location, all the rich environment scenes are genuine, and the film gives a fascinating overview of Tokyo after the war in the shadow of the Korea war. The story isn't bad either, it is a bit muddled and unclear, but if you can follow the dire straits of its windings, you will understand the logic of it. Florence Marly is the asset among the actors, giving a very interesting and entertaining performance, while Lee Frederick is like a worse copy of Fred MacMurray. It's the Tokyo scenes that make the film something you shouldn't miss, if you are at all interested in Asia and especially not if you are a fan of Japanese culture.
Review of Tokyo File 212
