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Annyeong, Sayonara

2005Movie1 h 50 min

–
Not rated yetGoodWatch score

A deeply moving, melancholic documentary movie about society and everyday modern life.

Good for friends night · teens · thought-provoking

Skip it if you want something to laugh at · you want fast pacing

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Not for laughs, scares or adrenaline.

Movies with

Story

This joint Korean-Japanese production follows a Korean woman, Lee Ha-jong, as she searches for her father's remains. He - like tens of thousands of other Koreans - was forced into the Japanese military, and subsequently killed during WW2. She is joined by a Japanese man, seeking reconciliation between his country's military past, and the countries victimized by that history. The filmmakers portray both sides of a still highly emotional debate that centers around the enshrinement of soldiers at the Yasukuni Shrine, and Lee's lawsuit to prevent her father from being enshrined there. As Lee visits Japan and the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, she confronts - and is confronted by a wall of nationalistic pride that might be compared to neo-Nazis defending the righteousness of The Reich. This is contrasted with her meeting and working with Japanese peace activists, who deplore their countries' militaristic past, and seek to heal the wounds with her neighbors.

Feels like

  • Historical Reconciliation Drama
  • Post-War Trauma
  • Political Activism
  • Cross-Cultural Dialogue
  • Solemn & Reflective
  • Legal Battle Narrative
  • Educational Documentary Style
  • Emotional Journey of Grief
  • Nationalistic Conflict
  • Human Rights Focus

Crew

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

November 25, 2005 · 1 h 50 min · Disturbing Imagery, Strong Language

Released
November 25, 2005
Runtime
1 h 50 min
Content
Disturbing Imagery, Strong Language
Genres
Documentary
Original language
English
Also spoken
Korean
Made in
South Korea, Japan
Available in
1 country