Assault On The Pacific Kamikaze

Casts : Michitaka Tsutsui, Kubozuka Yosuke, Kishi Keiko, Tokushige Satoshi

A stirring memoir about kamikaze pilots who gave their lives during the war, WWII film For Those We Love, a.k.a. I Go To Die For You, attracted a lot of attention in Japan from the get-go because of its sensitive topic and the participation of renowned writer and outspoken Tokyo governor Ishihara Shintaro. Known for his nationalistic leanings, Ishihara served as producer and screenwriter for the film, adapting his own novel for the big screen. The film is directed by Shinjo Taku (Okinawan Boys) and stars Kubozuka Yosuke (Ping Pong), along with Tsutsui Michitaka (The Crossing), Kishi Keiko (The Twilight Samurai), Tabe Mikako (Night Time Picnic), and Nakamura Tomoya (Rampo Noir).

For Those We Love follows a group of young kamikaze pilots during their final days, as remembered by an elderly restaurant operator who spent time with them before they flew off on their last mission. The film touches on the people whose lives were affected by the pilots, from their families to the townspeople near the military base, and features impressive aerial battle scenes. Though a potential harbor for controversy, this heart-tugging film mainly appeals to universal sentiments about youth, courage, and sacrifice, providing an anthem for the war dead.