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Sayonara (1957)

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100

Average Rating: 7.2/10
Reviews Counted: 9
Fresh: 9 | Rotten: 0

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Release Date: Dec 5, 1957 Wide

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Average Rating: 3.7/5
User Ratings: 3,220

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Movie Info

Sayonara takes its own sweet time to unfold; in so doing, it permits us to make intimate acquaintance with its characters, so as to better understand their multitextured motivations. The film is set in Japan during the Korean War. While on leave, pugnacious American soldier Red Buttons falls in love with Japanese maiden Miyoshi Umeki. Given the army's official policy against interracial marriage, Buttons is courting a court-martial. His best friend, major Marlon Brando, tries to talk Buttons out

Unrated, 2 hr. 27 min.

Drama, Romance, Classics

Directed By: Joshua Logan

Written By: Paul Osborn

In Theaters: Dec 5, 1957 Wide

On DVD: Sep 18, 2001

MGM Home Entertainment

Sayonara Trailer & Photos

Cast

Marlon Brando
Maj. Lloyd Gruver
Red Buttons
Joe Kelly
Miyoshi Umeki
Katsumi
Ricardo Montalban
Nakamura
Miiko Taka
Hana-ogi
Patricia Owens
Eileen Webster
Martha Scott
Mrs. Webster
James Garner
Capt. Mike Bailey
Kent Smith
Gen. Webster
Douglass Watson
Col. Craford
Reiko Kuba
Fumiko-san
Soo Yong
Terukosan
The Shochuku Kagekidan Gi...
Harlan Warde
Consul

Critic Reviews for Sayonara

All Critics (14) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (9) | Rotten (0) | DVD (1)

Logan's message picture about interracial marriage is made more enjoyable by the then novelty of locations shooting in Japan as well as likable performances from Marlon Brando, Red Buttons, and rest of the cast.

July 10, 2007 Full Review Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

| Comment

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

Engaging drama of servicemen in Japan. Top acting by all.

February 20, 2007 Comment

Steve Crum

Dispatch-Tribune Newspapers

The main plot points have become dated over time, nevertheless the action still feels sincere.

February 7, 2006 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews

| Comment

Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

The supporting cast is remarkable, especially Red Buttons.

March 13, 2005 Full Review Source: Goatdog's Movies

| Comment

Michael W. Phillips, Jr.

Goatdog's Movies Source: Goatdog's Movies

Brando's terrific performance elevates an otherwise unexceptional, though well-intentioned, film

October 6, 2001 Full Review Source: Apollo Guide

| Comment

Dan Jardine

Apollo Guide

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Audience Reviews for Sayonara

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I saw Sayonara a long time ago after a friend recommended it to me. It is a great love story. It has some funny moments, some sad moments, some senti moments, and some very weird moments. Over all fine Movie you d want to watch again.

December 7, 2009

Wahida K

Super Reviewer

This is another one of those watershed films that is so far ahead of its time in dealing with issues of race, love, and marriage. Definitely one of Brando's most moving endeavors, overshadowed only by the even more masterful performances of Red Buttons and Miyoshi Umeki . This one is heartbreaking every time.

May 10, 2006