Going for Broke

Along with the film Go For Broke! this documentary chronicles the intense patriotism of Japanese Americans despite those on the mainland being interned in camps during WWII.An interesting detail was friction between the Kotonks (mainlanders) and the Buddhaheads (Hawaiians).Per the article "Kotonks vs. Buddhaheads" by Robert Asahina on the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans site, "The Hawaiians, products of the plantation system, enjoyed a sense of group solidarity — even, as the largest minority group in the islands, a sense of ethnic superiority. The mainlanders, by contrast, were used to life as a tiny and — after the “relocation” — legally oppressed minority.""Tensions eventually erupted in brawls between the two groups. The Hawaiians soon invented a nickname for their adversaries — kotonks, for the sound of mainlanders’ heads striking the ground like coconuts. The mainlanders were just as quick to call the islanders “Buddhaheads” — not just a religious reference but a play on the word buta, Japanese for 'pig.'"As the documentary chronicles, tensions began to abate when groups of soldiers from the Hawaiian 442d visited relocation camps. According to Daniel Inouye of the 442d and later a U.S. Senator, "The thing that went through my mind constantly was: “I wonder what I would have done. Would I have volunteered?” We [Hawaiians] volunteered from a community that was generous. We weren’t herded away. But these guys were herded into camps like this, and they volunteered."

This documentary covers all the key points that should be highlighted in any study of WWII and the U.S. I especially loved Senator Inouye's closing statements at the end. There was a lot of good footage of the soldiers and a great introduction to the reality of the concentration camps here in the U.S.; the movie was very clear on contrasting the American concentration camps from the Nazi death camps. What was lacking was a more thorough explanation of how barbaric conditions in the early days at the ill prepared "relocation centers" were cruel and unusual punishment of unconstitutionally incarcerated innocent citizens.

I liked this film because the entire production from director to producer to commentators were Japanese- Americans. It truly told the shameful story of Japanese internment camps from the perspective of their victims. There was one part of the story that was left out. It is a documented fact that some Japanese residents of Hawaii spied for the Japanese even up to the eve of the attack on Pearl Harbor. It was their intel that enabled the Japanese Navy to plan the attack in minute detail. Who were these traitors - or visitors from Japan - and what happened to them?

I love that I can now own the movie that I saw on TV when I was young. However, the restoration leaves something to be desired.

Great video showing many aspects I didn't already know even though I've read many books and seen other videos on the subject. My father was in the 442 and unfortunately, many of the stories and information died with him in 2003 but this helped me better understand what he went through. George Takei's narration is easy to listen to.

Definitely recommended viewing!For those who do not know the history of these men and the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII, this overview is just a beginning. Well narrated, interesting original footage and a simple recognition of what was accomplished within the military. They were among the first to arrive at Dauhac. Those who served in the Pacific Theater were an invaluable asset. Their losses were high and what of the losses for their families? Prejudice is costly in the suffering it causes.Look back in history for the introduction of the US and Japan. In March 1854 Commodore Perry entered Tokyo Bay with a compliment of war ships. Under duress, the Japanese signed a treaty that would allow an 'open door' trading policy.Learn the lessons of history and realize it's lasting effects. Japan and Germany are among our closest allies and some that were our allies in WWII have become the strength of Communism.

The Japanese Americans were kept apart from the rest of the army. Treated like Black people yet they saved 200 Italian fromgetting killed by the Germans during WWll in Italy.My Parents are Japanese Americans they were kept prisoners in there own Country. The people who kept the supply coming insold their food on the black market so they had no food or very little to eat. Many of them had to get most or not all of their teeth pulled because of poor water. and H prilolylly a stomach bug that many people got

I love this DVD. It brought tears to my eyes and made me sure proud being of an American of Japanese descent. Because of their bravery, many young meant, including my dad, wanted to join to prove to the U.S. that we are Americans. I am so proud to be an American.