Other flashbacks, though, retain their power to move us, especially the extended scenes of American families unjustly led off to wartime internment camps, simply because of their Japanese heritage. Hawke is moderately effective as Ishmael, though his lead role mostly calls for him to listen impassively at the trial. He's the conscience of the film. Indeed, it has a rich, evocative look, displaying the encroachment of nature in winter. The weather is all-encompassing and claustrophobic.
Snows swirl as deep fog rolls along the sea coast.
White clearings in the nearby forests stand out from the black shadows. Enough of the narrative comes through for clarity and emotional effect, but the film's images resonate more impressively than the slow-moving story they frame. Send questions and comments to The Webmaster .