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Customer Reviews of The Teahouse of the August Moon

Cute and Subversive
I've known that there was a film with the title "The Teahouse of the August Moon" for years but never had any interest in viewing it. I probably had it confused with "Sayonara", Marlon Brando's other post WWII Japan film. And there was never any reason to suspect that it was anything but a light comedy, as it was based on a stage play. <
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>But it turns out that rather than just a comedy, it is more like a subtly subversive satire on America's staggering conceit as a righteous force of change in the world. How they managed to convince the studio and the public that it was just a harmless little comedy would make a great story itself, considering that it was made during the blacklist days of red-baiting and mega paranoia. My guess is that its patronizing portrayal of Japanese culture, and its characterization of the Okinawans as simple childlike islanders provided sufficient misdirection to throw our guardians off the scent. Hollywood was pretty good at slipping stuff like this into the mainstream, where the actual nature of the satire was only apparent to the most discerning viewers. <
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>As others have noted, the film's message is actually more relevant today than at the time of its release; what with America's botched meddling in Viet Nam, Lebanon, Somalia, and Iraq. As "The Teahouse of the August Moon" illustrates, there seems to be a national compulsion to change the world and a chronic failure to realistically evaluate the complexities of these little adventures. <
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>On the flip side, many of those who attack the film as racist are also critical of "Eurotrip" for its stereotyped portrayal of Europe; failing to recognize that the target of both films is America and its simplistic view of the rest of the world. <
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>Anyway, "Teahouse" takes place shortly after the end of WWII as Captain Fisby, a Army Civil Affairs officer (Glenn Ford), is detailed to an Okinawan village to teach the natives about "democracy". His most important task is to construct a "pentagon" shaped school for the children. But with the arrival of a Geisha named Lotus Blossom (Machiko Kyo) the villagers decide that a teahouse (basically a copy of the Geisha houses they have heard about in the cities) should be built instead. When it appears that Fisby has become too acclimated to the native culture, his commanding officer sends a psychiatrist (Eddie Albert) to the village to evaluate his fitness for duty. Albert is soon co-opted and stays on in the village indulging his fantasy of running a farm. <
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>Marlon Brando plays a native interpreter and carries it off quite nicely, in fact the whole cast is solid with Kyo unexpectedly effective and very charming. Speaking only Japanese (and without subtitles), her performance is similar to some of the best silent film stuff. Although Brando translates her more important lines for Fisby (and for the audience) her nonverbal performance communicates so much that you are rarely even aware of the language gap. Brando does a nice commentary to begin and end the film. <
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>While "Teahouse" is hardly Oscar material it is entertaining and of considerable historical/ cultural interest. <
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>Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

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Timeless, Wonderful Comedy
I don't think anyone who hasn't lived in Japan or Okinawa can truly 'get' this film. Having lived there for 3 1/2 years in the mid-80's, courtesy of the U.S. Navy, this is one of my all-time favorite fims, ever. It truly captures the warmth and intelligence of the Japanese & Okinawan cultures. Marlon Brando is wonderful - and very believeable - as Sakini. We laugh just as hard every time we see this film. I can't wait for a widescreen DVD!

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Okinawa Forever
A timeless comedy/drama filmed on Okinawa with a cast of local extras who had only recently survived a battle of overwhelming devastation. Okinawan culture and philosophy rules the day,and a witty,insightful script plays to the foibles of military culture.Great music,dance and poignant romance. Standout performances from this ensemble cast,but look for that hidden gem in the role of Lotus Blossom;Machoko Kyo of Kurosawa's 'Rashomon'.