Sayonara (1957) (Import NTSC All Regions).

I purchased 2 of these for sentimental reasons. My father was Brando's stand-in for this film when he was stationed overseas in the service. My dad passed last January. I know I'm supposed to comment on quality, but these are both Christmas gifts. One for me, one for my older brother. I didn't think I'd find them anywhere available at such a great price. I received them right away, and I can't wait to see my brother's face when he opens it. Besides all of that, I'm a longtime Brando fan. I thank you for making this product available.

By today's entertainment standards, better than so-so. But for its social commentary, I suspect it was pretty risky for the studio to do a movie with this racial overtone. It would be interesting to know what the general American (or Japanese, for that matter) acceptance of a mixed marriage would be in either country.

One of my all-time favorite movies that I never tire of watching. It's not shown on television very often, as much as other Brando movies. This movie garnered numerous Academy Awards. It's an interracial love story and based on history, many soldiers faced similar backlash with loving and marrying Japanese women. It happens after all wars, I'm pretty sure. Great cinematography and excellent acting.

The film, based on the James Michener novel, was extremely well done. I was stationed in Korea in the late 1950s when marriages between American servicemen and local women were strongly discouraged. Still, many young soldiers found the women to their liking, and it was impossible to stop marriages. The novel actually takes place in Japan in 1952, when military men could marry young Japanese girls, but not take them home. The story follows Major Gruver and one of his men, Airman Joe Kelly. Kelly marries a young Japanese girl against Major Gruver’s wishes, but he doesn’t interfere with the wedding. This causes problems with the commanding general, the father of the girl Gruver plans on marrying. It causes a rift in Gruver’s on wedding plans to his daughter. After meeting a beautiful Japanese woman, he knows now what has driven young Kelly to risk his freedom.The movie was a real treat, and the scenes and acting were superb. My only disappointment was in Ricardo Montalban cast as a Japanese. Though a good actor, he looked out of place. I’m sure a Japanese actor could have been found for the part. James Shigeta comes to mind although he hadn’t broke into American films in 1957; he was an actor in Japan. This is a movie worth watching many times over. The musical scores, though not on a par with Flower Drum Song, were still magnificent, as were the scenes of Japan.

Sayonara is a warm film showing the differences in cultural understanding between post WWII GIs and their commanders. In this movie Marlon Brando starts out as The Ugly American (a common phrase at the time for US citizens and military who traveled but tried to impose American ways on non-Americans) who can't understand why Red Buttons has fallen in love with a Japanese woman whom he wants to marry. His clashes with the military and Brando's realization of the beauty and kindness of the Japanese people helps him grow to understand Buttons' quest.The dialogue is not politically correct for the 21st century but it underscores the differences between the two factions post war.

Caution, You will need a VCR that plays all regions to get this video to word. You can purchase these on Amazon for a very reasonable price. I recommend the Sony version plays all regions 1 thru 9, as well as A, B & C.This video has Great Audio and Video, just remember to not use the subtitles so that they don't block the beautiful scenes. The Story is a Classic, the color is great and a very enjoyable movie. This a must for all serious collectors, if you haven't ever seen it you will, I believe love it. If you have seen it you will ENJOY it AGAIN! You don't want to miss this one.

I'm sorry, but this film is the final straw for me with star ratings; this film averages 4.5 of those, but I gather that those who rate highly are advancing a certain political viewpoint/agenda (and please bear in mind that the love of my life is Asian - I just don't particularly abide social crucading). The film is plodding, boring, uninteresting - unwatchable, really. Moving on...

It's a mystery to me why this Marlon Brando film is not mentioned as one of his starring roles. He is devastating as an Air Force pilot during the Korean War who falls in love with a Japanese woman. This movie was made in 1957 which explains the discrimination and narrow-mindedness of American occupied Japan, following World War II. The only fault I can find is that the interracial couple are both hero-worshipped and admired by their countrymen; both are famous; he is a war hero and she is a beautiful Japanese entertainer. It follows that it's OK for them to get together. Reminds me of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" where the interracial couple are picture perfect; she is white; a lovely, wealthy, society lass; and he is black; a handsome, lettered, & successful black man. Expect the same from Sayonara. Red Buttons is excellent as a poor private in love with a common but adorable Japanese woman. Prepare yourself for a tearful ending. It's worth the price of a ticket for Marlon Brando fans who will swoon over his good looks and marvel over his superb acting. Don't miss it!Sayonara!

Excellent film that hasn't done well with the passage of time, but there is enough wonderful stuff going on. Great for social or cultural historians, students of acting, or Japan or Brando buffs. Great performances from Red Buttons and Miyoshi Umeki, James Garnder and Patrician Owens, too. Brando in good form. Unfortunate central performance by Mieko Taka -- a first-time actor, she was just not up to the task. Still, it's an interesting and watchable film on a number of levels. Fine new Blu-ray print, too.

The copy I bought is copyrighted 2004 and the barcode is 5 050070 020632.The aspect ratio is 2.35:1 in a 4:3 full frame. I've included a photo to show the issue.Bizarrely the DVD is for a Luddite friend who clings to his 4:3 analogue telly, so it is actually a perfect purchase.Most folk will find this unacceptable and would do better to source an edition optimised for modern widescreen televisions.

Sayonara has all the problems of 50s Scope blockbuster doorstop novel adaptations and Joshua Logan films both - slow pacing not the least of them - but still works despite it taking nearly an hour for the lovers to meet. But for once the soap operatics seem to be there to support the film's surprisingly daring criticism of the US Army's racist policies rather than its sole raison d'etre, and it's hard to imagine a major studio today making a mainstream big-budget picture with A-list stars about, say, American troops falling for nice Islamic girls. Brando is at his worst here, clearly bored with the part he plays up the Southern stereotype to such a simple downhome cliché that he comes across more like Steve Martin as the Jerk doing Elvis rather than a successful West Point career officer, but a strong supporting cast - an understated Red Buttons (unjustly slated by Pauline Kael for some reason), James Garner and Kent Smith - take up the slack, and MGM/UA's R2 DVD is such a stunningly beautiful transfer that it's easy to get sucked into it. Shame about the impromptu press conference ending and Ricardo Montalban's ah-so turn as the world's tallest Kabuki actor.

Not having seen this movie since its initial release in the late Fifties I was somewhat apprehensive. I need not have been: performances are excellent and it was especially satisfying to see Red Buttons deliver a most sensitive characterisation. Evident sincere direction of a sensitive subject.

The story is good.the picture is not in Blu-Ray.At least the movie is in wide screen so its a little better than the old standard edition which we could only obtain in Australia. I am waiting on the twilight time edition to come down in price.