Children of Japan (1941)

★★★★ · A voyage back to a quieter time.. · Spuzz · 2003-03-27

A fascinating historical document which outlines Japan just before the outbreak of World War II. Just looking at the year of the film (1941) makes you wonder how much time passed before this film was made and when Japan struck Pearl Harbor. Anyways, the film is a bout 2 children and their family and all their cute Japanese customs. The film is a bit racist and stereotypically Japanese, but that can be excused for the time period. A interesting film to watch, and it is recommended.

★★★★ · Surprisingly Not Too Racist for 1941 · nilsnordstrom · 2003-03-09

An interesting look at [pre-war?] Japan. It does not belittle their beliefs, but rather explores their way of life. Pretty cool look at industrial Japan and its culture.

★★★★ · Good mini documentary. · tuco · 2004-05-04

Unlike many films of its time, "Children of Japan" is completely fair in its portrayal of the Japanese. It comes out as an non-biased, informative film on how a typical day for a middle class Japanese family would have been [before Pearl Harbour]. Its most interesting to see how American perceptions of Japan changed withing two years; one can see the difference by watching the 1943 propaganda flick "Our Enemy - the Japanese".

★★★★ · 1941 japan · babe917 · 2009-12-21

an interesting little film about japan family life! i enjoyed watching it!

★★★ · Pre-War, Pre-A-Bomb, and Pre-Godzilla · Christine Hennig · 2004-07-11

Considering the year this was made, 1941, I at first thought it was a WWII propaganda film. But no, this is a charming childrens educational film made just before the war about life in Japan. We follow two siblings, Taro and Yukiko, as they go through their day with their family, at school, and going to a cherry blossom festival. It looks pretty realistic, though in simplified form, about Japanese life at the time, and everything seems peaceful and well-ordered. Look at all those strange but nice people from another culture, children! Dont be afraidthey may seem different to us, but deep down…