Not Quite Accurate

Rating: 6/10 (6 July 2006)

I found the film to be enjoyable over all but there is one particular scene that does not fit with what I know of the Guadalcanal campaign, namely the various Japanese prisoners that appeared in Marine custody. It is my understanding that the Japanese either were eliminated in the any one of several BANZAI charges or otherwise succumbed to disease or starvation. The Japanese high command evacuated the emaciated garrison in Feburary 1943. Upon their removal, the United States began its operations to clear the remainder of the Solomon Islands with the Japanese acting in comparable fashion all the way to Bourgainville. Remember, to the Imperial Japanese soldier, surrender was the highest form of anathama and actual capture was little short as a day in Hell. Now, I respect Mr. Malik's attempt to inject some humanity (if that was indeed the goal) and to humanize the enemy to some point. However, if the goal was historical accuracy, then might I respectfully submit that this film has some shortcomings.