I for one have always enjoyed the Japanese cinema and Asian themed films, and always wanted to see this classic, and I must say that 1957's gem "Sayonara" didn't disappoint. Carried by all time heavyweight the legendary Marlon Brandon he shines in the film as the central character Major Lloyd Gruver his performance is all pro and in top notch form. Marlon is Major Lloyd Gruver a southern born now U. S. Air Force ace of the "Korean War" who's just been reassigned to "Japan". And soon Lloyd discovers how's he caught up in the new taboo's of life and the different culture of the country. However conflict and inner tensions and power struggles of his work interfere with some things. The thing is it's against military policy for U. S. servicemen to marry a Japanese woman, however love and attraction takes the lead as serviceman Joe Kelly(a supporting actor Oscar win from Red Buttons) falls for and marries a Japanese lady, soon Major Gruver who's still tied to his American sweetheart Eileen notices and has his eyes catch sight of a Japanese beauty who's a famous performer of acting and dancing in her native country. Thru it all the service wants Joe out of his marriage and a close eye is kept on the Major, really the movie for it's time is a highlight on cultural and personal prejudice differences of the time. The film is a showcase with beautiful backgrounds of "Japan" and shown is the "Japan" tradition of "Kabuki" acting on stage, also look for good supporting turns from James Garner and Ricardo Montalban. Overall wonderful excellent well done film a classic one of Brando's best(while he was still in his prime) the movie proves that connection and love conquer all no matter what.
