Sophie and the Rising Sun

Some disbelief is welcome in a good film, in fact it can be an essential part. Unfortunately there is far too much here. I admit to not have read the book this is based on so don't know whether to blame the book or film. This is especially true of both the beginning and ending. The ending, an internment camp for Japanese, is something that really existed but I never heard of anyone going voluntarily. Other than these plot flaws I would have rated this more highly.

This was a wonderfully done film. Great acting, a touching story, filmed beautifully and a score that fits well for the story. It reminds the viewer of the power of love in times of trauma. Not only romantic love, but also human compassion for others. Much of the concept parallels what people throughout Europe did for Jews as documented in the fine book - "The Rescuers" by Gay Block.

This was a sweet love story, although it left me longing for more background, clarification and character development. The flashbacks were not enough. Why does Sophie live alone? What happened to her parents? How old was she? Answers to these questions would have made her character much more interesting. Would have loved to know more about Mr. Ota and his family background as well, besides the fact that they grew apples! I think this story could have been so much richer had the screenwriter delved deeper into these characters' lives. The movie was touching and interesting and the chemistry between Ota and Sophie was good. But the whole film seemed too superficial. It did touch accurately on the attitude of Americans toward the Japanese Americans during WW2. However, I think in typical Hollywood fashion, it put people of faith in an unfair and negative light. Not all southern churchgoers were cruel toward minorities, but it did happen. I think my favorite character was the maid. She had a confident pride, but also could feel empathy toward Mr. Ota as a black woman in the south. She knew what it was like to be outcast for her skin color. It was such a poignant moment in the film when is the one to wash off the words "dirty Jap" from the wall. She knew his pain. This movie was a lovely story but I feel it could have been so much more had we really known the characters and what their backstories were.

To explain my title, Sophie and the rising sun has everything except shooting, explosions, and car chases. It is a devastating picture of racism. It is a love story beyond compare. It is wonderfully filmed. Nicholson as Sophie is luminous. Martindale as Ann is faultless. Toussaint as Salome is simply amazing. The Japanese gentleman is outstanding. See this movie if you can. It's a solid ten for a viewer who loves good drama, who is maybe tired of cheap thrills. I watched it for free on Prime, and I'll watch it again tomorrow.

As I say in the title, this is a gorgeous, relevant film, on multiple levels, without it being a complex, tiring film to watch, on the contrary, it is very purposeful and clear, yet also very beautiful and engaging, not to mention very stirring and moving. The cinematic language in which the story is told, made me long for more, and as cinema and storytelling go, I count this film as a triumph, so I rate it 10/10.

Sophie and the Rising Sun is an eloquent and beautiful film. Maggie Greenwald is a sensitive and insightful director and writer who has created a film that speaks to issues of prejudice that are as powerful in 2019 as they were in 1941.