Sayonara Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Southern gentleman learns that love is blind, deaf, and speaks fluent Japanese, and it’s gonna cost him his military career.

🍿 Sayonara: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Prejudice and Reassignment

In 1951, Major Lloyd ‘Ace’ Gruver, a Korean War flying ace with strong prejudices against relationships between American servicemen and Japanese women, is reassigned to Kobe, Japan. He initially supports the military’s efforts to discourage such unions, viewing them as inappropriate. His reassignment is partly orchestrated by General Webster, who hopes to facilitate a marriage between Gruver and his daughter, Eileen.

Challenging Beliefs through Personal Connection

While in Kobe, Gruver encounters Airman Joe Kelly, who is determined to marry his Japanese girlfriend, Katsumi, despite the military’s disapproval. Through Kelly, Gruver meets Captain Mike Bailey, who is dating Fumiko-San, a dancer. Furthermore, Bailey introduces Gruver to Hana-Ogi, a beautiful and talented performer. This encounter sparks a profound change in Gruver’s perspective as he finds himself falling in love with Hana-Ogi, challenging his deeply ingrained prejudices.

Facing Cultural and Military Obstacles

Gruver’s growing relationship with Hana-Ogi faces significant challenges, including cultural differences and the U.S. Air Force’s strict policies against interracial marriages. Both Gruver and Hana-Ogi confront social isolation and disapproval from their respective communities. Gruver’s engagement to Eileen also complicates matters, as she struggles to understand his evolving feelings and the cultural complexities surrounding their situation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Major Lloyd Gruver (Marlon Brando): A U.S. Air Force major who initially opposes interracial marriages but later falls in love with a Japanese performer.
• Hana-Ogi (Miiko Taka): A talented Japanese performer who captures Major Gruver’s heart, challenging his prejudices.
• Joe Kelly (Red Buttons): An airman who passionately defies military policy by marrying his Japanese sweetheart.
• Katsumi (Miyoshi Umeki): Joe Kelly’s loving Japanese wife who faces discrimination due to her marriage.
• Eileen Webster (Patricia Owens): Major Gruver’s initially intended fiancé who represents societal expectations and prejudices.
• Captain Mike Bailey (James Garner): A Marine Captain who serves as a friend and confidant to Gruver, navigating his own interracial relationship.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Major Gruver: “I’m not thinking, and I don’t want to think.” – Major Gruver makes this statement as he decides to follow his heart and defy societal expectations.
• Hana-ogi: “The pleasure does not lie in the end itself… it’s the pleasurable steps *to* that end.” – Hana-ogi explains the meaning of a traditional tea ceremony to Major Gruver.
• Major Gruver: “Hell, I ain’t got nothing against the Japanese… well, not now anyway.” – This quote reflects Gruver’s changing perspective as he confronts his own prejudices.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8.5 million
• Domestic Gross: $26.3 million
• Worldwide Gross: $26.3 million

💥 Sayonara Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched ‘Sayonara’ on a rainy afternoon, and it completely captivated me. The movie bravely delves into the complexities of intercultural relationships, and Brando’s portrayal of a man shedding his prejudices is compelling. The Kabuki scenes were visually stunning, and the tragic love story of Red Buttons’ character really got to me. Overall, it’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. I give it a 9/10. Just wonderful.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood romance dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in social issue films”
  • “Those who appreciate stories about overcoming prejudice”
  • “Individuals fascinated by Japanese culture and history”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suicide”
  • “Racial prejudice”
  • “Discussion of war”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Though sometimes heavy-handed, ‘Sayonara’ is a sincere and visually stunning exploration of cultural prejudice. Brando’s nuanced performance elevates the film beyond typical melodramas, making it a thought-provoking experience despite its dated elements.
• Variety: “A groundbreaking film for its time, ‘Sayonara’ tackles controversial subject matter with sensitivity and grace. The performances are strong, particularly Red Buttons and Miyoshi Umeki, whose portrayals offer a compelling look at the challenges of interracial relationships.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “While ‘Sayonara’ may show its age in certain respects, its core message of tolerance and understanding remains powerful and relevant. The film’s vibrant visuals and strong performances make it a worthwhile watch for those interested in classic Hollywood cinema.

Audience Reactions

The vibrant depiction of Japanese culture and the stunning costumes were visually breathtaking.: Viewers praised the movie’s bold exploration of racial prejudice and the emotional depth of the love stories.

Red Buttons and Miyoshi Umeki’s performances resonated deeply, showcasing the heartaches faced by interracial couples.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s progressive stance on race relations, considering it groundbreaking for its time.

Overall Consensus: Sayonara is generally regarded as a well-intentioned, though somewhat dated, film that courageously addresses themes of racial prejudice and intercultural romance, boasting strong performances and beautiful cinematography.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor)- 1958
2. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 1958
3. Academy Award (Best Art Direction-Set Decoration)- 1958
4. Academy Award (Best Sound Recording)- 1958

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Audrey Hepburn was initially offered the role of Hana-ogi but declined, feeling she couldn’t convincingly portray an Oriental character.”
• “Ricardo Montalban’s casting as Nakamura, a Japanese Kabuki actor, was a point of contention as it was not considered authentic casting.”
• “The film’s ending differs from the James Michener novel, offering a more optimistic resolution than the book.”

🖥️ How to Watch Sayonara?

Currently, “Sayonara” is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check local listings for possible TV broadcasts.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Sayonara, you might like these similar films:

• The World of Suzie Wong (1960): Explores a similar theme of intercultural romance in Hong Kong, dealing with societal prejudices and personal connections.
• The Teahouse of the August Moon (1956): Features a lighter, comedic take on American-Asian relations in post-war Okinawa, showcasing cultural misunderstandings and adaptations.
• Memoirs of a Geisha (2005): Offers a visually stunning and emotional portrayal of Japanese culture and the life of geishas, though with a different narrative focus.

🛒 Sayonara Related Products

• James Michener’s ‘Sayonara’: Read the original novel that inspired the movie, offering a deeper exploration of the characters and themes. Explore the intricacies of post-war Japan through Michener’s vivid storytelling.
• Japanese Culture Gift Set: A curated set featuring items inspired by traditional Japanese arts and crafts. Perfect for fans looking to immerse themselves in the culture portrayed in the film.
• Kabuki Brush Set: A set of Kabuki brushes for makeup application. Inspired by the kabuki theatre showcased in the film.
• Franz Waxman: Sayonara (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Experience the film’s evocative score, composed by Franz Waxman, available for digital download. Immerse yourself in the romantic and emotional landscapes of ‘Sayonara’ through its music.

🎧 Soundtrack

Sayonara features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Sayonara” – performed by Irving Berlin
• “Theme from Sayonara” – performed by Franz Waxman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Sayonara Japanese Goodbye ( 1957 ) – Lyrics

Ever wondered about the lyrics to that beautiful, melancholic song from Sayonara? This video provides the complete lyrics, so you can finally sing along! It’s really fascinating to see the words written down and fully understand the goodbye message.

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