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| The Kamikaze pilots take a final drink before their mission |
It is common for modern people to deride the Kamikaze (suicide) pilots as deluded and brain-washed and the strategy of using them as insane. The 2007 Japanese movie For Those We Love puts these misconceptions into dispute.
Why Kamikaze?
The movie begins by explaining Japan's situation. In 1944, the war in Pacific was not in Japan's favour. They had lost most of their carriers and trained pilots. The remaining inexperienced pilots had little to no chance doing significant damage to Allied ships. As a result, the Japanese command proposed a drastic strategy -- the pilots will be instructed instead to crash into the American warships to sink them.
This attack was considered to be more accurate, less training-intensive and thus more practical. Later dubbed "Kamikaze pilots", the pilots were organised into "Special Attack Units".
Just a guy like you and me
What makes the movie is unique as it takes the viewpoint women involved in looking after the pilots before their fatal missions. During the conversations with the women, the pilots are portrayed to be regular adolescents, some of whom felt it was their patriotic duty to die for their country. Others were more resigned and reluctant. Nevertheless, most knew they were only delaying the eventual defeat of Japan.
Conclusion
The movie provides a special insight on what the civilians though of the Kamikaze. I do recommend the movie.
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