1936 Japan's answer to Top Gun, but make it about friendship and class struggle.
Story of two close friends who long to become pilots in the air corps. Only one succeeds in entering the service, while the other finds a job in civilian aviation through his instructor's good offices.
Cinematography
Glorious aerial footage that still holds up—practical effects era magic.
Acting
Chishū Ryū's quiet devastation before he became Ozu's everydad.
Director
Yasushi Sasaki
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was produced by Toho's precursor studio, P.C.L., which later merged into the Toho empire.
Released during Japan's military expansion into China, the film subtly primes young men for sacrifice while pretending it's about personal dreams.
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