Hana no Byakkotai

The Meiji Restoration in Japan is described these days as a 'bloodless revolution". It was no such thing. THe Boshin War extended from 1868 through 1869, saw the creation of the Ezo Republic modeled on the United States of America, armed forces that totaled an estimated 120,000 on both sides, and resulted in casualties of 8,200 killed and 5,000 wounded.

Hardly bloodless! The Aizu clan was a major force in fighting the restoration. This movie recounts the last stand of one of their castles, and the men who made up a military force sent from that castle. All of them died, although in this movie, a child was allowed to survive. Raizô Ichikawa takes the lead in his first movie, and there is lots of valor, death, and the spirit of bushido evident in their derring-do, not only among the actors, but the actresses. If you're looking for a movie like that, this is a good one.

When Aizu is the last part of that resist the imperial force they must use all means to survive. They recruit old people and boys to defend the country. In a hopeless fight both in number and weapons the group of boys are sacrificed to delay the enemy. And this is the story about those boys.

I thought all the young actors did a good job and it is interesting to watch even though nothing really new or surprising in the story. So who would like this? Well if you are interested in Japanese civil war this time mostly with guns, then this may be the movie for you if you can find it.